Legislative Document [ ^^' 



STATE OF NEW YORK 




REPORT 



OF THE 



NEW YORK MONUMENTS 
COMMISSION 



ON THE 



Dedication of Monument to the Seventy- 

Ninth Regiment Highlanders 

New York Volunteers 



KnoxviUe, Tenn., September 23, 1918 




ALBANY 

J B. LYON COMPANY, PRINTERS 

1919 



\ 
\ 




Mo.Xr.MENT TO THE IIltiUl.A.NDER.S AT K.NOXVII.I.E, Te.XX. 



Legislative Document No. 71 



STATE OF NEW YORK 



REPORT 



OF THE 



NEW YORK MONUMENTS 
COMMISSION V ^ 

^ \ -^ ON THE 



A \-^ cj* II -v^ I I \i, ' a 



Dedication of Monument to the Seventy- 
Ninth Regiment Highlanders 
New York Volunteers 



Knoxville, Tenn., September 23, 1918 




ALBANY 

J. B, LYON COMPANY, PRINTERS 

1919 



B. of D. 

MAY 19 1919 



STATE OF NEW YORK 

New York Monuments Commission 

To the Legislature: 

I have the honor to transmit herewith report on the Monument 
to the Seventy-ninth New York Volunteer Regiment (High- 
landers) erected at Knoxville, Tennessee, and dedication proceed- 
ings thereof, held September 23, 1918. 

Respectfully yours, 

LEWIS R. STEGMAN, 

Chairman. 
New York, N. Y., January 2, 1919. 



Report on Monument Erected at Knoxville, Tennessee, to 

the Seventy-ninth New York Volunteer Regiment 

(Highlanders) and Dedication Proceedings 

Thereof, Held on September 23, 1918. 



Giving credit where credit was due was well illustrated at Knox- 
ville on September 23, 1918, when a monument was dedicated 
there to one of the N'ew York infantry regiments that took part 
in the East Tennessee campaign, during the fall and winter of 
1863. This regiment, the Seventy-ninth l^Tew York Highlanders, 
established a high reputation for valor and all-round dependability 
in the thirty odd fields where it was in action. Whether in wide- 
spread operations, time and again, or pent up in beleaguered 
quarters, fighting on the defensive against heavy odds, as in the 
siege of Knoxville, their sum of service and proportion of sacrifice 
stamp the Highlanders as one of the foremost organizations that 
served in the Union armies. Consequently, there was no denying 
the fact that they were deserving of lasting memorial honors when 
•their veteran association sought eventually to put this laudable 
ambition into effect. 

The Highlanders took what was practically a leading part in the 
defense of Fort Sanders, November 29, 1863; and it was this 
famed arena, among all the scenes of memorable exploits in which 
they participated, that they had constantly in mind for erecting a 
monument to their regiment. 

The hope that they had so long cherished to see this in its desired 
place in Knoxville was at last in the way of being realized when 
the Legislature of 1917 voted $5,000 for their use, pursuant to a 
bill introduced by Senator Alfred J. Gilchrist. 

On investigation, it was not found practicable to have the monu- 
ment placed anywhere within the bounds of Fort Sanders itself, 
as primarily intended ; and failing this the City Commissioners of 
Knoxville generously donated other appropriate ground for it, in 
the vicinity, which is at Clinch Avenue Park. 

Bids that contractors — in this State as well as Tennessee — had 
submitted, on the request of the New York Monuments Commis- 

[31 



sion, for the construction and erection of this monument, were 
considered at a meeting of its Board held on March 21, 1918, when 
the contract for same was awarded to the Tennessee Marble Works, 
of Ivnoxville, at the price of $2,240. 

The stone used for its construction is Knoxville pink marble, 
from the Ross quarries in Knox county. In design, it is a square 
shaft, sixteen feet, ten inches in height ; the base, resting on a con- 
crete foundation, measures seven feet by six feet, six inches. The 
side elevations are rounded on the top, which is surmounted by a 
St. Andrew's cross. The badge of the Ninth Army Corps is carved 
in relief on the right of the die; the Scottish emblem of thistles 
and shields appears on the rear, appended to which is the motto, 
Nemo Me Impune Lacesset. Left of the die is shown the coat of 
arms of this State. " New York " is cut in large letters on the 
front of the third course. The die bears the following inscription : 

79TH NEW YORK INFANTRY 
(HIGHLANDERS) 
1ST BRIGADE 1ST DIVISION 

(MORRISON'S) (FERRERO'S) 

NINTH CORPS (POTTER'S) 
BURNSIDE'S COMMAND ARMY OF THE OHIO 
COMMANDED BY CAPTAIN WILLIAM S. 
MONTGOMERY, THE 79TH NEW YORK VOL- 
UNTEER INFANTRY TOOK A PROMINENT 
PART IN THE OPERATIONS OF THE SIEGE 
OF KNOXVILLE] AND WAS STRENUOUSLY 
ENGAGED IN THE DEFENSE OF FORT 
SANDERS, HOLDING THE NORTHWEST 
BASTION, NOVEMBER 29, 1863. 

Over this, on a panel five feet high, are shown the figures of a 
Federal and Confederate soldier, clasping hands under the folds 
of " Old Olory.'' Underneath the panel appear the following 
lines, specially composed by a Manhattan bard, Joseph I. C. 
Clarke: 

The hands that once were raised in strife 

Now clasp a brother's hand, 
And long as flows the tide of life — 
In peace, in toil, when war is rife — 

We shall as brothers stand. 
One heart, one .soul for our free land. 

The plans for the monument were prepared by James F. R. 
Vosjier. n New York memorial architect. These plans were skil- 



fully reproduced, iu every detail, showing that Knoxville, as well 
as abounding in a high grade of home marble, has native artists 
and artisans capable of working it into classic finish. The figures 
on the panel were designed by R H. Perry, of New York. 

It was erected under the auspices of the New York Monuments 
Commission, co-operating in the business incident thereto with the 
Highlanders Veteran Association, of which Colonel Andrew D. 
Baird is president, and Joseph Stewart secretary — both residents 
of Brooklyn. The City Commissioners and Board of Commerce 
of Knoxville, in addition to donating the site, took a praiseworthy 
interest in its construction throughout. 

Furthermore, local co-operation for having the memorial dedi- 
cated worthily was all that could be wished for. Knoxville was 
little short of being in gala for the occasion. Every courtesy was 
extended to the Highlanders and their friends during their stay in 
that city. They were entertained at receptions and carriages were 
placed at their disposal for sightseeing. A deputation of represen- 
tative citizens escorted them from the hotel at Whittle Springs — 
" a soft retreat of sylvan splendor " — to the dedication stand. 
Here they were treated to a welcome address by Commissioner 
Samuel E. Hill. 

The ceremonies took place in the afternoon, attended by quite 
a concourse. The monument, artistically and profusely decorated, 
was unveiled by a granddaughter of one of the heroes of the siege, 
Mrs. Emily Gilchrist Boillotat. A local band. Couch's, enlivened 
the exercises at intervals with appro]3riate airs, some of them 
Scottish, of course. " Old Glory " was raised on high ; all joined 
in singing "America," and "Auld Lang Syne " was rendered as 
a closing chorus. The exercises alternated between addresses by 
veterans — Confederate and Federal — and those contributed by 
civilians, representing a later generation. 

For both natives and visitors, let alone the Highlanders them- 
selves, this was an interstate function that makes for lasting and 
fond recollection. 

Colonel Baird directed the ceremonies. Being a veteran of the 
siege, and one of the braves who distinguished themselves at Fort 
Sanders, his remarks and reminiscences were heard with reverent 
interest. As a relevant relic, he exhibited the tattered flag that 
stood guard at the fort. Six of his Highland comrades were with 



6 

him at the dedication, as they were at the siege; they evinced 
pardonable pride and unbounded glee gazing on their marble 
memorial as it was being brilliantly dedicated ; and that they were 
fully worthy of the honors implied therein was not left unsaid 
or unsung. 

Besides Colonel Baird, two other Highlanders, Captain Robert 
Gair and Captain Robert Armour, also spoke. Colonel Lewis R. 
Stegman, in his official capacity as chainnan of the New York 
Monuments Commission, delivered an address. The speakers rep- 
resenting the ]^ew York Legislature were Senator Alfred J. Gil- 
christ and Assemblyman Charles D. Donohue. 

I. L. Graves was chairman of the reception committee appointed 
by the Board of Commerce. Prayer was offered by the Reverend 
Robert I. Gamon. The Reverend Robert W. R. Barnett voiced 
the sentiments of the local United Confederate Veteran camps, 
and Captain Wm. Rule spoke for the Grand Army of the Republic 
posts of Knoxville. A wreath was laid at the monument at the 
instance of Mrs. R. H. Sansom, in behalf of the United Daughters 
of the Confederacy. Mrs. Sansom is a daughter of General Zolli- 
coffer, who fell at the battle fought in Mill Springs, January 19, 
1862. The donor of another of the wreaths which decked the 
memorial is a namesake of Sir Walter Scott. 

The Knoxville press accentuated the dedication very worthily, 
The Sentinel^ an evening publication, in particular, whose man- 
aging editor, Wiley L, Morgan, was as unsparing in his efforts as 
with his space in presenting everything of interest pertaining to 
the Highlanders and their monument; while Captain Wm. Rule, 
of The Journal and Tribune, a morning paper, as well as printing 
a line report of the proceedings was present on the platform as one 
of the speakers. 

It is not often that the i)eople of Knoxville have been given a 
chance to show their appreciation of battleground commemoration 
at home; but from the enthusiasm and interest that they mani- 
fested in the Highlanders' dedication and the cheerful, active 
co-operation that they lent in having it conducted becomingly, it 
would seem that they have no need to look el&ewhere for light or 
leading when it is required to have such events functioned in their 
city ; on the contrary, it was demonstrated then that they are able 
to set an example in respect to them. 



The ]^ew York Party in Attendance at the Dedication 

The Highlanders: Colonel Andrew D. Baird, Captain Robert 
Gair, Captain Robert Armour, Henry F. Bloomfield, John Muir, 
Joseph Stewart and Frank M. Chamberlin. 

Senator Alfred J. Gilchrist and Mrs. Gilchrist and daughter, 
Mrs. Emily Gilchrist Boillotat, Assemblyman Charles D. Donohue 
and Mrs. Donohue, Assemblyman E. C. Davis and Mrs. Davis, 
Assemblyman George T. Davis, Colonel Lewis R. Stegman and 
Mrs. Stegman, Colonel Clinton Beckwith, Colonel Frank West, 
U. S. A., J. W. Lynch, Charles S. BaTker, P. J. McConnon, John 
J. Morris, John L. Little, Major L. C. Brackett, David A. 
Mitchell, Andrew Wallace and Arthur B. Gritman. 

Mrs. Boillotat's boy accompanied her, but he is probably too 
young to be able to remember the day when he was clapping his 
hands at the dedication of the monument to his great-grandfather's 
regiment at " Fort Knoxville." 

Dedicatory Exercises 

1. Prayer by Rev. Robert I. Gamon. 

2. Welcome Address by Commissioner Samuel E. Hill. 

3. Unveiling of Monument by Mrs. Emily Gilchrist Boillotat. 

4. Raising the Flag and Singing of "America " in Chorus. 

5. Address by Col. Lewis R. Stegman, Chairman, ISTew York 

Monuments Commission, 

6. Address by Col. Andrew D. Baird, Seventy-ninth New York. 

7. Address by Senator Alfred J. Gilchrist, N'ew York. 

8. Recitation, " The Highlanders," by Mrs. Emily Gilchrist 

Boillotat. 

9. Address by Captain Robert Armour, Seventy-ninth New York- 

10. Address by Captain William Rule, G. A. R., Knoxville. 

11. Address by Assemblyman Charles D. Donohue, New York. 

12. Address by Rev. W. R. Bamett, IT. C. V., Knoxville. 

13. Address by Captain Robert Gair, Seventy-ninth New York. 

14. Singing of "Auld Lang Syne " in Chorus. 

15. Benediction by Rev. Robert I. Gamon. 

16. " The Star-Spangled Banner," by Couch's Band. 

Welcome Address by Commissioner Samuel E. Hill 
Ladies and Gentlemen. — Mayor John F. McMillan intended 
sharing the honors and the duties of this occasion, and in his 



absence, caused by other business that he could not forego to-day, 
the pleasant task has devolved on me of representing him for the 
purpose of welcoming our Highland visitors and their friends who 
have come from the Empire State in fulfilment of a mission of 
devotion — a mission that has won our warmest admiration, and 
one, too, that appeals to ourselves intimately, as it is redolent of 
far-off days and hai)penings that constitute a stirring chapter in 
the history of Knoxville. 

Highlanders, you are doubly welcome among us to-day. We 
welcome you for the perils^you encountered on these scenes fifty- 
five years ago, and we welcome you for the praiseworthy motives 
that prompted you to erect this shaft to your regiment and the 
memory of your comrades whose remains rest in the National 
cemetery nearby. You received notification in advance that we 
were waiting to greet you heartily and in readiness to co-operate 
with you all possible to the end that your memorial would be dedi- 
cated worthily. We feel that as venerable veterans revisiting our 
city after such a long lapse of years, and engaged in so noble a 
mission, you are deserving of the best reception it is in our power 
to accord you. 

It would not be easy for one person to repeat the many things 
that are being heard in Knoxville to-day in commendation of the 
devotion that urged you to undertake this memorial project and 
the energy with which you have carried it out so successfully. We 
regard it, on your part, as a touching setting and sequel to your 
efforts of heroism on these scenes, so long ago that the oldest of 
our residents were then in their teens or early twenties. 

This is certainly an occasion that has many angles of interest, 
for us no less than yoiu'selves ; numerous thoughts and memories 
are stimulated by it, and contrasts, as agreeable as they are instruc- 
tive, are suggested by it. 

And not the least significant of these contrasts is the difference 
beween the ovation you are enjoying here to-day and the mixed 
reception that you experienced in Knoxville back in 1863. Then, 
as young soldiers, you marched to the inspiration of martial music, 
amid the rattle of musketry and the roar of artillery. Now, you 
march to the tunes of '' Dixie " and " Yankee Doodle," blended 
into National hannony, to which the spirit of a united people 
joyfully responds. Then you clung tenaciously to Fort Sanders, 



displaying unusual valor in its defense, and compelling the raising 
of the siege that has helped to make Knoxville famous in the his- 
tory of this Nation. Now you mingle in loving comradeship with 
veterans whom you fought, and who gladly join you in paying 
honor to those of your number whose lives were given for a cause 
sacred to every true American. 

Fort Sanders, in the defense of which you Highlanders, on that 
memorable morning of November 29, 18(33, took such a notable 
part, occupies a prominent place in the list of hotly-contested 
arenas during the period of the disagreement between the sections. 
The combatants on both sides fought it out here, and did their 
level best, just as valiantly and as persistently as was done by the 
hosts contending at the Angle in Gettysburg, the Cornfield at 
Antietam, Marye's Heights at Fredericksburg or Shiloh in our 
own State. 

But whatever may be said of those stirring times, here or else- 
where, and necessarily mentioned at such a function as this, the 
all important and joyful fact to revel and glory in to-day is that 
ever since all sections of our country have continued to be bound 
in ideal amity and the closest National ties — " each for all and all 
for each." 

The contest ended, under one flag once more, a united nation 
entered on an era of reconciliation and reconstruction. And with 
what results? Making the United States the most powerful, the 
most prosperous and the most contented democracy in the world. 

And in addition to that, at the present time — so that the rest 
of the world may be made safe for democracy also — all our states 
are vying with each other in supplying their quota of the help 
required for carrying to a successful issue the great war that is 
being waged on the other side of the Atlantic ocean against ruinous 
and rampant militarism. 

Tennessee, true to its appellation of the " Volunteer " State, is 
and has been sending its sons " over there " by the thousands. In 
a former crisis in the history of the Nation, the response made 
by our State to a call for military aid was so full and free — so 
much above its quota — that the authorities could not avail them- 
selves of all the recruits that it was able to place at their disposal. 
The boys of Tennessee are maintaining this tradition right well. 
They have gone with alacrity to the training camps and from there 
to the battle fronts; and as long as necessary they will continue 



cheerfully to augment the Nation's fighting forces. " Worthy 
sons of noble sires," they are inspired by the examples of former 
generations and the valor of former heroes — men like Sevier, 
Campbell, Jackson and Forest. 

And I am proud to say that Knoxville is well to the fore among 
the cities of Tennessee competing with each other, as the States 
are, in doing their part to win the war. We are endeavoring, in 
a proportional sense, to be high up on the volunteer lists, so long 
as this international crusade lasts; and numerically, also, we are 
in a position to make a good showing, with a population that is — 
combining our suburbs — fast approaching the hundred thousand 
mark. 

Highlanders, these population figures and the extended bound- 
aries of our city as you see it to-day, present a striking contract 
to the mere nucleus of a city, having but a few thousand people, 
into which you marched on September 26, 1863. Of what Knox- 
ville was then there is hardly a doubt that you still retain clear 
recollections ; so I will descant a little for you on its present activi- 
ties and possibilities; and while doing this I do not despair of 
being able to convince you that there is at least one other p^ace 
in the United States besides the Empire City, with all its luminous 
immensities, where people can thrive tolerably well — even very 
well — and enjoy themselves to their hearts' content all seasons 
of the year. 

I am sure it is hardly necessary to remind you that our city is 
called after a commander of the Revolution, who bore a decidedly 
Scottish patronymic, General Henry Knox. He was also Secretary 
of War. Boston was his native place. We have endeavored to 
make Knoxville a credit to his name. 

Knoxville is the pride of East Tennessee; and as to location, 
generally speaking, it can well be called a centre of centres. 
Within a circumscribed radius of five hundred miles from here 
half of the population of the United States is located. 

Valuable raw materials abound in our vicinity, such as coal 
iron ore, copper, zinc, manganese, limestone and lumber-yielding 
forests. We are in the midst of ngricultiu-al territory reno\vned 
for its fertility ; almost every variety of garden and farm produce 
is seen in our markets ; and as for flocks and herds — everything 
in that live line from beeves to bees — ours is " a land flowing 
with milk and honey." 



11 

Our city is a diversified manufacturing centre, too ; and does a 
big jobbing business, among other commodities, in iron, wood 
working and textiles. It has important railroad shops, rolling 
mills, foundries, machine shops and metal structure works. 

Knoxville in reaching its present status has been favored 
immensely by conditions of climate and situation. Mountains 
shelter us from violent storms; we are in the midst of wooded 
rolling hills ; winding rivers, on which craft of good size can " go 
down to the sea," flow past us or near us ; our watershed is almost 
unrivaled; our air is the most bracing, and this, together with 
scenery of sui*passing picturesqueness, imparts to Knoxville the 
attraction of a holiday resort. The days sure few and far between 
when our skies do not merit being called opalescent. 

We claim to have a wideawake and enterprising population that 
strives and knows how to turn these resources and advantages to 
the best uses. For this purpose we have comprehensive and well 
equipped organization systems and an administration calculated 
to take the best care of our civic affairs. Our schools and colleges 
are kept to a high standard. Our transportation facilities are well 
up to date. Our business streets and residential sections you have 
seen for yourselves. Knoxville may be called a city of homes, 
schools and churches. We are about putting up another big hotel. 
Those we already have are conducted on plans that give universal 
satisfaction. 

Among our products, likewise, are immense marble quarries, 
which have a reputation far and near for excellent texture, dura- 
bility and adaptability. Blocks hewn from them were used for 
the construction of the monument that we are now dedicating. It 
would be hard to count the carloads of marble that we have shipped 
to I^ew York City, to mention but one of the many cities that have 
drawn on our quarries for their public edifices and mansions. 

Highlanders, we in Knoxville share with you the pride and the 
joy that you evince in seeing this beautiful memorial in place; 
because as well as it being made of Knoxville pink marble our own 
artists and artisans it was that turned it out in this superb style. 

This shaft can be depended to stand where it is for ages to come 
— a fitting memorial to a renowned regiment and an ornament 
to Clinch Avenue Park. In the dim and distant future, " time's 
effacing fingers " will have worn away beyond legibility the letters 



12 

and emblems carved on it, but as long as American history is read 
the principles embodied in it will survive. 

It is a fitting feature of these ceremonies to have them j^artici- 
pated in by representatives of the United Confederate Veteran 
camps in addition to the local Grand Army of the Republic posts, 
and that we are to hear discourses by some of their members. 

Should anything be said on this platform, inadvertently and in 
an unguarded moment, with which any of our Confederate friends 
might be inclined to disagree, or should they have an inkling of 
regret — which is very unlikely and not at all expected — for 
having sided the cause to which the Highlanders were so vigorously 
opposed the years gone by, perhaps it would be some consolation 
to remind them that Fernando Wood was among the most fervent 
and demonstrative anti-abolitionists of them all. And who was 
Fernando Wood ? He was Mayor of N^ew York, where the High- 
landers were recruited, at the outbreak of the civil conflict. 

Veterans of the Highlanders, Knoxville is full of admiration 
for the noble mission that has brought you among us on this occa- 
sion. To-day, hearts and hands are joined in paying respect to 
you and the memory of your fallen comrades. Consider your- 
selves as friends among friends while you are with us. Ours is a 
city, as I have outlined for you, well worth lingering in for rest 
and recreation ; and should any of you, or all of you, health and 
strength permitting in the venerable years you are now lengthening 
out, have occasion, on pleasure bent, or else business of any kind, 
to visit our city again we will be most willing to repeat the glad 
welcome that we are extending to you to-day. 

" Come in the evening or come in the morning ; 
Come when yoii are looked for, or come without warning; 
Blessings and welcome you'll find here before you; 
And the oftener you come here the more we'll adore you." 

Address by Colonel Lewis R. Stegman, 102d N. Y. Veteran 
Vols., Chairman New York Monuments Commission 
Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen. — My first duty on this occa- 
sion is to express heartfelt thanks for the royal Knoxville welcome 
accorded us New Yorkers to-day. Of your kindness, and the 
interest and enthusiasm that pen'ades these dedicatory exercises, 
we will for a long time to come retain the pleasantest recollections. 



13 

And ever since the work of erecting this monument was taken on 
hand, Knoxville has been meeting us fully half way. We appre- 
ciate highly, and we are grateful for it, the generosity that 
prompted you to donate a site for the Highlanders' monument on 
one of the most central spots in your beautiful city. The business 
incident to this memorial project has been a labor of love for us, 
due, in a great measure, to the commendable courtesy with which 
your City Commissioners and your enterprising, progressive and 
vigilant Board of Commerce responded to the requests and 
inquiries we found it necessary, from time to time, to submit to 
them during its furtherance. Mr. C. A. Benscoter is especially 
worthy of our remembrance, and the success of these ceremonies 
owe much to his co-operation, as well as that of Mr. I. L. Graves, 
in making preparations for them. 

This marble shaft is a well deserved tribute. The record of the 
men of the Seventy-ninth 'New York Regiment, or, as they are also 
called, the Highlanders, whether in the South, the East or the 
West, was exemplary. Going over it on the map, the extent of terri- 
tory where their activities were called into play is in itself a lesson 
in geography. From Antietem Creek to the Mississippi, and from 
the Potomac to Port Royal, near the Savannah, they gave repeated 
evidence of valor, endurance and all-round dependability. That 
indomitable hero of the South, Stonewall Jackson, was at his best 
in four of the big battles they took part in. They escaped Chan- 
cellorsville, for the reason that they were then on the watch in 
Kentucky, and Gettysburg, because at that time they were up in 
arms at Vicksburg. 

In the East there was comparative quiet along the Potomac and 
the Rappahannock during the fall and winter of 1863, following 
the Gettysburg campaign ; but it was not so in the West along the 
Tennessee, around Chickamauga, Chattanooga and Knoxville ; and 
the Seventy-ninth ISTew York bore a regiment's full share in the 
helter-skelter and fierce fighting incident to those operations. 
With the Vicksburg detachment of the Ninth Corps they com- 
pleted a hurried march from Kentucky to Knoxville on September 
26th, which was three weeks after Burnside established his head- 
quarters here, Buckner having evacuated it on his approach. 

Seven days before the Highlanders arrived in Knoxville Bragg 
overcame Rosecrans at Chickamauga. The latter, some weeks 



14 

before, had left Kentucky for the purpose of occupying TuUa- 
homa ; about the same time and the same place from whence Burn- 
side set out for Knoxville; their plans and preparations for a joint 
campaign having 'been frustrated for a good while by Morgan's 
daring raids. Burnside was under orders to go to Rosecrans' relief 
before disaster overtook him at Chickamauga, but encountered 
opposition near his own headquarters which prevented his being 
able to carry them out. 

Grant, after assuming charge of all the armies in Tennessee in 
October, was exerting himself to the utmost for confronting Bragg 
in a big battle. His preparations materialized in Chattanooga on 
November 24th and 25 th, with victory for the Federals. 

Before, as well as after, this momentous engagement both Grant 
and Bragg were hampered by complications in East Tennessee. 
The former was receiving orders to send help to Burnside at a 
time that he could not afford to detach any of the forces in his 
immediate command ; and Bragg, as a stroke of good strategy, as 
he thought, sent Longstreet on November 4th from the vicinity of 
Chattanooga, followed by Buckner, to oust Burnside from East 
Tennessee. Meantime Grant issued orders to cut Bragg's railroad 
communications with Longstreet. 

Longstreet's advance proved more rapid than was anticipated. 
He reached Camijibeirs Station on November 16th and a stiff battle 
was fought there. BiTrnside then withdrew all his forces to Knox- 
ville, and by the 18th the siege had begun in earnest. 

Fort Sanders, the principal defensive work, was occupied by a 
garrison of three hundred men. For eleven days after Long- 
street's investment there was intermittent shelling and skirmish- 
ing. A violent attack was made on the fort on the 24th ; the attack 
was renewed with increased violence on the 29th, and with that 
courage and jDersistency which characterized Longstreet's assault, 
or, as it is popularly kno\vn, Pickett's charge, at Gettysburg. 
Troops from eleven regiments, under McLaws, rushed upon the 
garrison at the dawn of day, and though decimated, in the shortest 
time, by destructive discharges of grape, canister and musket balls 
they persisted desperately in endeavoring to gain their objective. 
Numbers of them eventually reached the ditch and tried to climb 
the sides of the parapet. Not only that, but a few of them went 
into the fort. But it was beyond human endurance to withstand 



15 

any longer the hail of lead and iron that made McLaws' braves 
stagger and fall by the hundred. They were compelled to break 
and retire, with fearful loss. 

The organizations in Fort Sanders during this memorable scrim- 
mage were Benjamin's and Buckley's batteries, the Second Mich- 
igan and i^art of the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Infantry, on the 
flank, while the Highlanders, the immediate garrison, held the 
northwest bastion. 

The daring and determination displayed that day at Fort 
Sanders put it henceforth among the most hotly-contested spots 
where the Blue and the Gray tested each other's mettle. 

The difficulties that the Highlanders, with the other units of 
their brigade, encountered going over the Cumberland Mountains 
is remindful of N"apoleon's legions crossing the Alps; and as for 
cold weather, at Blaine's Cross Roads, by the Clinch Mountains, 
where they spent New Year's Day, 1864, the hardships suffered 
at Valley Forge, of Revolutionary memory, were repeated in their 
case. 

The Highlanders during their four years of service had leaders 
worthy of them. When first mustered into service they were com- 
manded by Colonel Samuel McKenzie Elliott. Colonel James 
Cameron, brother of the Secretary of War of that time, was killed 
while leading them at the First Bull Run. He was succeeded by 
Colonel Isaac I. Stevens, on whose early promotion Colonel Addi- 
son Farnsworth succeeded to the command of the regiment. With 
Colonel Farnsworth they served in the Sherman-Dupont expedition 
in South Carolina, and at the Second Manassas, Antietam and 
Fredericksburg campaigns. Vicksburg saw them under Colonel 
David Morrison, and at Knoxville his place was taken by Captain 
William S. Montgomery. On the opening of General Grant's 
overland campaign, at the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, in May, 
18G4, they were in charge of Colonel Morrison; and for the 
remainder of their field activities they were commanded by Col- 
onel Henry C. Heffron and Colonel Andrew D. Baird, who had 
the honor of leading them during the final assault on Petersburg. 

Colonel Baird is President of the Highlanders Veteran Asso- 
ciation. His comrades were impressed by his soldierly qualities 
on the field of battle, and they have been impressed and attracted 
ever since by his manly qualities. To them he has been, all along. 



16 

" guide, philosopher and friend." A good number of them, nearly 
all that could stand the strain of long travel, are here with him 
to-day, as they were five and fifty years ago. 

Captain Robert Armour, of Washington, D. C, a veteran of the 
siege, and still in service, in the Quartermaster's Department, 
will address you in behalf of the regiment ; as will Senator Alfred 
J. Gilchrist, the son of a Highlander who served in the siege. 
Captain Robert Gair, a prominent business man of Brooklyn, and 
who acted a very notable part defending Fort Sanders, will also 
make some remarks that should prove interesting. 

Like so many others who carried a sword during the period of 
the civil conflict, success and distinction in public life and in the 
line of big business have come to Colonel Baird, as they have to 
Captain Gair. He is now President of the Williamsburg Savings 
Bank in Brooklyn. Modesty, too, has always been one of his 
characteristics. He can well be counted among that estimable 
class of people who have never very much to say for themselves — 
those who do things with the minimum of talk and the maximum 
of result. 

And it is not only the " boys " of his own organization that are 
attached to Colonel Baird. In G. A. R. circles in Greater New 
York none is more respected than he. 

In recalling when I first had the privilege of becoming 
acquainted with Colonel Baird my memory wanders far back over 
the dim vista of a period covering more than half a century ; and 
in the course of that long span, as friends and neighbors, we have 
met many a time and oft, always with feelings that can best be 
expressed in the words of Robert Burns, " Then here is a hand my 
trusty fiere, and give us a hand of thine." And mentioning poets, 
it is pertinent to note that until his early teens Colonel Baird 
resided in Sir Walter Scott's native place, Kelso. 

I have never been able to remember seeing Colonel Baird 
accoutred for battlefield work — most likely we did not come across 
each other then — but my regiment, the One Hundred and Second 
New York, stood with his in three campaigns, the Second Manas- 
sas, Antietam and Fredericksburg. Subsequently, were up and 
doing the same time in different parts of Tennessee ; for five days 
before the final attack on Fort Sanders I was with my regiment in 
" the battle above the clouds," at Lookout Mountain. From this 



17 

you will see that some of the boys of '61 did not have to wait for 
the era of the aeroplane to witness or experience the sensations 
and perils of waging battle close to the welkin. 

But what about the boys of '17 and '18 in khaki, and what you 
m,ight ask — you of a younger generation — do we veterans of a 
former big war think of those cataclysms that are now rending 
Europe asunder, and of which everybody cannot help talking or 
thinking: children not long separated from their perambulators 
lisp of them, and their grandfathers and great-grandfathers are apt 
to be interrupted by thoughts of them saying their morning and 
evening prayers. 

Only that we veterans of the early sixties are prevented by 
time's relentless wear and tear from crossing the ocean, we would 
be doing our bit once more. Knowing well the horrors of war, and 
the hardships and dread consequences that follow in its wake, once 
begun, we were hoping and praying that this country would be 
saved the agony of another prolonged and destructive entangle- 
ment; but the die being cast our hearts and souls went into the 
struggle, just as if we were in the thick of it. 

As to the outlook, our opinion is that the entrance — the forced 
entrance — of the United States into that big scuffle over there 
was practically coincident with the high-water mark of Prussian 
aggression and sealed the doom of that diabolical military caste 
taxed with planning and projecting this terrible curse on humanity 
the world over. 

The people of this country were compelled " to take up arms 
against a sea of troubles," the scare and the scourge of the sub- 
marine. Until then we kept away from the scenes of foreign strife 
and turmoil, minding our own business, not meditating a hostile 
movement against any nation — though not unmoved — and wish- 
ing that the powers slaying each other in ruthless, wholesale and 
unprecedented style would have recourse, ere long more, to the 
olive branches of peace and sheathe their swords for good and all. 

But we were insolently commanded, at the peril of our lives, 
to stay at home and not venture beyond the boundaries of our own 
tranquil shores — to keep our ships and what was intended as 
cargoes for them in America ; and following that dictum there 
was nothing else for us to do, as a proud and powerful nation, and 
an independent and liberty-loving people, but to join. the others in 



18 

" shuffling off this mortal coil," that sought to strangle our 
freedom. 

" Whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad," and it 
cannot be gainsaid that those Prussian pseudo seers who com- 
pelled the United States to enter the lists against them must have 
lost their heads, and they are lucky, many of them, if they do not 
lose their lives as well into the bargain. In the case of this 
Kation, they put all reason aside; they trampled on our rights, 
just claims and feelings with " scrap-of-paper " contempt and 
defiance. But they are bound to pay dearly for it. We cut across 
a continent before, an engineering project that was for long 
regarded as an impossibility ; and ere long more in the continent 
of Europe we are likely to be the most effective — the deciding — 
factor in that gigantic struggle now raging between the world's 
mightiest forces. 

Our casualty lists, it is piteous to read from day to day, are 
growing, and while we pray for the contrary, it is to be feared that 
they will not begin to get less and less for some time to come. 
But it cannot be helped now. 

We veterans often wish that we were as young as we used to be 
so that we could answer the tocsin of war again. More power and 
all praise to our successors in khaki. They are maintaining right 
well in the native land of Lafayette the noble tradition of the 
American soldier on the field of battle. 

And the slacker: I pity the one of them that comes our way. 
The slacker, the spy and the profiteer, and such " small deer," 
make us feel like taking off our coats, or rather wishing that we 
had our old swords in our hands to have a whack at them. The 
National slogan now is " Win the War," and those who do not 
respond to it had better quit forthwith. 

Chiseled on the monument before us are the words, Nemo me 
impune lacesset, and until Uncle Sam takes off his armor their 
import will remain one of his mottoes. 

I know what I am talking a])out, for as an old soldier myself I 
can realize to the letter how disheartening it is for our boys 
engaged in violent battles to think that anyone at home is not 
heart and soul in the cause for which they a-re risking their lives. 

I have another digression to make, if such anyone should call 
any of my previous remarks ; but as it is what I might call an 



19 

interstate and not a foreign affair, affecting alike the State to one 
of whose regiments we are now dedicating a memorial and the 
city that this memorial is to help grace for the years to come, it 
cannot be very wide of the mark. 

For the thirty years or so that the ISTew York Monuments Com- 
mission has been erecting for the Empire State memorial to troops 
and commanders the stone used in their construction has invariably 
been some kind of granite — from Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine, 
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and even North Carolina. At 
first we had in mind following precedent and using granite for the 
Highlanders' monument. Correspondence on this subject was 
exchanged between our Commission, in conference with the regi- 
mental association, and the Knoxville Board of Commerce. 
Among other pertinent facts presented for our consideration and 
deliberation was that piles of Tennessee marble were used for 
giving the vei*y building where we have our office its present almost 
unrivaled finish, that is, the Hall of Records in New York City. 
And a great many other fine buildings in New York, it was sub- 
mitted, are made of the same stone, among them the banking house 
of J. P. Morgan & Co., and, for its interior, the terminal station 
of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Then, as a further 
knockdown for granite in its contest, for the object in view, against 
mai'ble, we learned that the Centennial monument in Chicago is 
also constructed of mai'ble from the quarries of Tennessee. On 
this score we could not help saying that whatever material thrives 
and survives out-of-doors in the " Windy City," with its lack of 
protection, on eveiy side, from the elements, and lake water per- 
petually lapping in its front, would undoubtedly endure for ages 
in the incomparable climate of mountain-sheltered Knoxville. 

Of course we had been previously well aware — who is not ? of 
the reputation Knoxville enjoys for its excellent marble, no less 
than for its wealth of copper, zinc, coal and iron. 

Well the upshot of it was that marble won out ; precedent and 
granite, for the nonce, were put in the shade, and we are as glad 
of it now as yourselves. Otherwise it would be like " carrying 
coals to Newcastle " or " heather to Scotland." Otherwise, also, 
the monument would, perhaps, be regarded here as having a some- 
what exotic aspect, and sentiment counts in monuments &» well fti 
i» other things j in fact they originate in sentiment, 



20 

The amount that jSTew York has expended on this memorial is 
one of the most satisfactory and best placed investments that it has 
yet made in the matter of battle ground construction. Its base 
measurements of seven feet and height of sixteen keep it from 
being ranked as massive or " cloud capt," but it rests by the firm 
base of the East Tennessee mountains, and though lacking con- 
picuous altitude is it not several hundred feet higher above stand- 
ard level, that of the ocean, than the tallest structure piercing 
the sky line of the Empire City. And that reminds me that you 
Knoxville people are Highlanders yourselves as well as the 
veterans of the Seventy-ninth Regiment. 

Battlefield memorials are concrete expressions of admiration 
for valor and sacrifice. !New York is still maintaining its lead in 
this worthy work. We have memorials, monuments or markers 
in several of the States — in Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, Mary- 
land and Pennsylvania; and are handsomely represented in this 
respect at Chattanooga, Wauhatchie Valley, Lookout Mountain, 
Missionary Ridge, Orchard Knob and Ringgold nearby. 

Bronze statues were erected to two of New York's commanders 
at Gettysburg last year — General Abner Doubleday and General 
John C. Robinson — and they were dedicated a few months after 
the ceremonies for that colossal and supei^b work of art, Virginia's 
statue to General Robert E. Lee on the same field. At our dedica- 
tions then we were favored with an address by a Confederate 
veteran, from the capital, Colonel Hilary A. Herbert, former 
Secretary of the Kavy, in President Cleveland's administration, 
and who belonged to your neighboring State Alabama. Colonel 
Herbert's address on that occasion was a gem — as wholesome and 
as inspiring an expression of the times as one could wish to hear. 

There is nothing that fosters and encourages a spirit of genuine 
patriotism better than to see the Blue and the Gray fraternizing 
and rejoicing at veteran events such as have brought us here to-day. 
It was so at Washington and Vicksburg last year, and it was so, 
on a much larger scale, at Gettysburg in 1913, when over 53,000 
veterans — 8,700 of them representing the Confederate armies 
and navy — were assembled for a four-day demonstration of patri- 
otic glorification. The feelings of content and kindness with which 
the " boys " of the Blue and the " boys " of the Gray now, and for 
decades past, contemplate each other aie well expressed in one 



21 

of the uiscriptions ou the memorial to the Seventy-ninth New 
York: 

" The hands that once were raised in strife 

Now clasp a brother's hand, * 

And long as flows the tide of life — 
In peace, in toil, when war is rife — 

We shall as brothers stand. 
One heart, one soul for our free land." 

In addition to the Seventy-ninth, two other New York infantry 
regiments and a batteiy were engaged in the siege. These are the 
Forty-sixth, commanded by Colonel Joseph Gerhardt, the Fifty- 
first, under Colonel John W. LeGendre, and Battery L, Second 
Light Artillery, Captain Jacob Roemer commanding. 

Are they likely to have monuments erected to them here? 
I cannot say now, but should like to see it done. The Daughters 
of the Confederacy set an example in this respect in Knoxville, 
and, perhaps, in due course, others as well as the Highlanders may 
follow in their footsteps. Pennsylvania is among the States that 
had had some good regiments in the siege, and the Keystone State 
so far is a good second to the Empire State in recognizing and com- 
memorating the valor and deeds of its troops and commanders. 

Address by Colonel Andrew D. Baird^ Seventy-ninth New 
York Veteran Volunteers (Highlanders). 

Ladies and Gentlemen: Commissioner Samuel E. Hill has very 
graciously extended a welcome to us to Knoxville, and for this 
whole-souled manifestation of kindness we return our sincerest 
thanks. In my turn, as president of the Highlanders Association, 
in charge of these ceremonies, I desire to welcome you all to our 
dedication, and at the same time to express gratitude, in behalf of 
myself and my comrades, for the interest that it has evoked. 

Colonel Lewis R. Stegman has already sjwken to you in his 
official capacity as chairman of the New York Monuments Com- 
mission, with whom the Highlanders had the pleasure of co-oper- 
ating in the business incident to the erection of our monument 
and making preparations for its dedication. Time permitting, 
Colonel Stegman would have said much more than he has, and in 
curtailing his remarks be has set an example here that I for ou§ 
will try to follow, 



22 

Captain Eobert Armour, who, like myself, took part in the siege 
and in the defense of Fort Sanders, will tell you, as speaker for 
the regiment, some of our experiences here fifty-five years ago ; and 
Captain Robert Gair, another Highlander, and who acted a very 
notable part the day of the big attack on the fort, will also make 
some remarks that should prove appropriate for this occasion. 

It is likewise veiy appropriate to have this memorial unveiled 
by Mrs. Emily Gilchrist Boillotat, inasmuch as her grandfather, 
James Gilchrist, was here with us as a Highlander in the fall and 
winter of 1863. 

Mrs. Boillotat's father. Senator Alfred J. Gilchrist, is down on 
our programme of exercises for an oration, as well he might, for 
at home in Brooklyn, or else representing his constituents in the 
Legislature at Albany, he is well known as an impromptu and 
effective speaker. We were putting off for quite a while the con- 
struction of our monument, and it was through the influence of 
Senator Gilchrist that the money for it was eventually voted us, 
as well as the amount needed for dedicating it. There is no 
necessity my repeating now the thanks that he has earned for 
these boons. I am sure Senator Gilchrist feels as gratified himself 
as any of us in seeing this beautiful memorial that has been erected 
to his father's regiment. 

Another member of the New York Legislature, Assemblyman 
Charles D. Donohue, and whom I will call another good friend of 
ours, as I confess with gratitude, will address you. Mr. Donohue 
during the last session at Albany was chosen as leader for his 
party. 

It gives me further pleasure to announce that veterans of your 
own " Volunteer " State have kindly joined us to contribute their 
share towards making this dedication representative in the fullest 
sense. One of these good friends. Captain William Rule, is to 
speak for the Grand Army of the Republic posts of Knoxville. 
Captain Rule will have every opportunity for familiarizing him- 
self with the text of the inscriptions on the monument, for his 
house, I understand, is just across the street from where it stands. 

One of these inscriptions begins with the words : " The hands 
that once were raised in strife, now clasp a brother's hand." This 
fine sentiment the Rev. W. R. Barnett, representing the United 
Opnfeder.ate Veteraus of this city, will, there is little doubt, give 



33 

voice to for his own comrades. To Captain Rule and Mr. Barnett 
1 tender my sincerest thanks for being present to assist us and 
cheer us in this wise. 

And this is not the first time that I have had occasion to convey 
heartfelt thanks to residents of Knoxville in behalf of the High- 
landers. I have visited your city three or four times since the 
days of the siege, always, of course, paying a pilgrimage to the 
graves of my comrades in the JSTational Cemetery. During one 
of these pilgrimages, made some time in the early eighties, as well 
as I remember, I learned to my great surprise and satisfaction 
that the graves of the Highlanders were being decorated annually 
up to that time by a worthy Knoxville lady. On investigation I 
discovered that this tender tribute of respect was due to the 
thoughtfulness and kindness of a Mrs. Patterson, the wife of 
Colonel Oran Patterson. Needless to say, I lost no time in calling 
on her to express my thanks for her goodness in this matter, and 
this was the beginning of a friendship with herself and her husband 
that lasted as long as they lived. 

As I have already said, we were waiting a long time for this 
monument; and when I and my six comrades saw it for the first 
time this morning our hearts were filled with joy. We never 
expected anything finer. The Knoxville contractors entrusted with 
its construction and erection have done their work splendidly. As 
a critic of this class of structure, mine is not the opinion of an 
amateur, because I have been conducting a big stone business of 
my own for a long number of years. I had also a hand in pre- 
paring the plans for the monument, and these plans are reproduced 
in first-class style. I have now good reason to feel more interested 
in Knoxville marble than ever before. 

Flags, thanks to our local helpers in this dedication, are plenti- 
fully in evidence all around us here to-day, as they were fifty-five 
years ago, but for a very difl^erent purpose. Well, we have brought 
with us from ISTew York a souvenir flag of those far-off days, and it 
affords me great pleasure to give you an opportunity to examine 
it. This is none other than the garrison flag that stood guard at 
Fort Sanders that well-remembered day of ISTovember 29, 1863. 
You mn see that this venerable and treasured relic is tattered a 
good deal; it has many signs within its four corners of age and 
wear ; md I do ^ot hesitate in making a comparison between ita 



24 

faded folds and those hairs on my own head, now turned white by 
stress of years; while in every other respect also 1 am far from 
feeling the same as I was when helping to keep this flag waving 
proudly in its place on the fort. 

But I never expected to be blessed with perpetual youth. I have 
rounded out a long span of decades, nearing now the end of the 
eighth. I never felt more elated during all these years than I do 
to-day presiding at the dedication of this memorial to the Seventy- 
ninth i^ew York Highlanders, the regiment in whose ranks I put 
in four years of hard work, and the regiment, too, that it was my 
privilege and pride to command towards the end of its fighting 
career and during those last trying and triumphant days at Peters- 
burg in Aj^ril, 1865. 

AuDIJESS BY SEiN'ATOR AlFRED J. GiLCIIRIST. 

Ladies and Gentlemen: As a member of the delegation from 
the Empire State in attendance on this platform, I must express 
my great gratification on witnessing the appreciation — shown in 
divers delightful w\ays — of our mission to your beautiful city ; 
while the kindly and generous welcomes that you have been pleased 
to extend to us will assuredly be remembered with gratitude for 
many years to come. 

We have journeyed to Knoxville to testify to the love and esteem 
in which we hold a gallant band of veteran soldiers, the Seventy- 
ninth New York Regiment, or, to give them the name by which 
they are more familiarly and frequently known, the Highlanders. 

This is an occasion to which we attach considerable importance. 
It puts vividly before us valorous deeds and noble achievements of 
days long gone by — deeds and achievements in which the High- 
landers, as a unit, acted a very desei^ving part. Great and happy 
results have accrued from those stirring times; and, to go no 
farther for illustration, they are observable in abundance all 
around us in Knoxville to-day, presenting as it does scenes of peace 
and plenty and ideal content. It is not too much to say that this 
city as it is now compared to what it was when the Highlanders 
were beleaguered within its confines, is virtually a paradise 
attained. 

We are in the midst of historic enviromnents, as the High- 
landers themselves cm testify with the best evidence '— personal 



25 

recollections; for this iiioimment stands on ground adjacent to 
where they were encamped the last months of 1863; and it is but 
a short distance also from the renoAviied Fort Sanders, the scene of 
the fiercest and most spectacular exploit of the siege. 

But before, as w^ell as after, their activities in East Tennessee, 
they acquitted themselves with distinction in several other states. 
They were in evidence prominently during that period of the 
troubles between the sections, with but veiy little interruption. 

The reverberations of Fort Sumter, in April, 1861, had scarcely 
died away when, as one of the organizations of the JSTew York 
State Militia, they volunteered for participation in the threatened 
frays ; and thereupon they were mustered in for a period of three 
years ; nor did they have to remain in suspense long until they got 
an opportunity of demonstrating the soldier stuff of which they 
were made. 

Henceforth, for nearly four years, they were followed in 
imagination by those nearest and dearest to them at home, as they 
marched to battle scenes, far avA wide; followed with anxious 
hopes by fathers and mothers, wives and children, sweethearts, 
sisters and brothers — brothers many of whom were waiting to 
reach the required age for joining them. 

The Highlanders got their initial taste of fighting at Blackburns 
Ford; and a few days after, under William Tecumseh Sherman, 
they were subjected to a galling fire at the battle of the First Bull 
Run. Here, just before he was mortally wounded, their gallant 
commander, Colonel Cameron — brother of the then Secretary of 
War — urged them on in a fierce charge with the slogan, '' Come 
on my brave Highlanders." 

During that extended expedition in South Carolina, launched in 
October, 1861, under Sherman, they displayed unwonted valor 
and endurance. Their work in the unsuccessful attack on Seces- 
sionville in June, 1862, won the plaudits of the Charleston press, 
which called them the Palladins of the North. 

And now they Avere back in Virginia once more; and in time 
for taking part — and, as I might say, taking punishment — in 
the Second Manassas campaign. Beginning at Kelly's Ford they 
fought hard and suffered severely all through those operations, 
until Stonewall Jackson was compelled to cry a halt to his pursuit 
at Chantilly. It was here that tbeir former beloved commander, 



26 

General Stevens, was stricken down, near tte same spot where 
General Kearny breathed his last. 

At Antietam, a little more than a fortnight after, posted in that 
well-known arena that was centred at the Burnside Bridge, they 
stood their ground manfully ; as they did at South Mountain three 
days before, and as they also did at Marye's Heights three months 
after. 

When their comrades in arms had just gained a victory at 
Gettysburg, the Highlanders, now under Colonel Morrison, were 
on the banks of the Mississippi, celebrating the capture of Vicks- 
burg, where, as part of the ISTinth Corps detachment, they were 
sent from Kentucky the previous June; and in helping to take 
Jackson, two weeks after the Vicksburg operations, they went 
through a very severe ordeal, marching fast and fighting hard, in 
oppressively hot weather. 

Ordered to East Tennessee by General Burnside from their 
quarters of brief rest in Kentucky, the Highlanders were in action 
at Blue Springs on October 10, 1863, and in that lively skirmish 
that took place at Campbell's Station on November 16th. Driven 
from that point by the troops that General Bragg had sent from 
Chattanooga, under General Longstreet, they braved the perils of 
the siege of Knoxville, which lasted until December 5th. 

Pollard, the Southern historian, writes as follows of those 
memorable days: 

"Never, excepting at Gettysburg, was there in the history of the war 
a struggle adorned with the glory of such devout courage as Longstreet's 
repulse at Knoxville." 

Longstreet had directed McLaws to force his way into the city, 
and, intent on effecting this, the Confederate troops skirmished 
and manoeuvred energetically day after day. The Highlanders at 
that time had been assigned to Fort Sanders, named after the 
gallant General Sanders, who fell just as the siege had practically 
begun. With them in the fort were Benjamin's Battery, part of 
Buckley's and Roemer's Battery, the Second Michigan Infantiy 
and two companies of the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Infantry. 
The Highlanders were stationed in the northwest bastion, with 
Benjamin's Battery, and this happened to be the poiwt ^elected at 
tjie outset hj the attacking forcjes, 



27 

Early on Sunday, November ^Oth, the twelfth day of the siege, 
after a prelude of thunderous cannonading, it was observed that 
McLaws' men were headed in large numbers in the direction of 
the fort. These consisted of Humphrey's Brigade of five regi- 
ments and the brigades of Wofford and Bryan. Not having hand 
grenades, Lieutenant Benjamin had prepared a number of twenty- 
pounder shells, with twenty-second fuses attached. These were on 
the banquette of the fort. As the Confederates reached the ditch 
many of them jumped into it. Now was Benjamin's opportunity. 
Captain Baird ignited the twenty-pounder shells with a torch; 
they were rolled into the ditch and worked fearful havoc. 

The defenders of the fort must have felt " The stern joy which 
warriors feel in foemen worthy of their steel." By pluck and dash 
and advantage of numbers, their assailants hoped and sought des- 
perately to compel their surrender. Undeniably they proved 
themselves daring warriors, and though their endeavor was foiled, 
it could be well said of them then : 

" Theirs not to make reply. 
Theirs not to reason why, 
Theirs but to do and die." 

To the Federal organizations opposed to them is due the credit 
of having repulsed a picked column of troops vastly outnumbering 
their own. 

After Fort Sanders, the Highlanders took part in the conflict 
at Strawberry Plains, on January 21, 1864. 

Keturning east in March, they participated in the terrific three- 
day bushwhacking tussle at the Wilderness, as well as the battle 
fought at Spotsylvania nearby ; also the engagements at Hatcher's 
Run, Fort Stedman and the final assault on Petersburg. 

As time rolled on, the Highlanders became mere shadows in 
the picture of the rejuvenated union of the States. The many 
engagements to their credit are mile stones in the progress of the 
entire nation. 

Veterans of the Blue and Veterans of the Gray, this fair land is 
your common heritage. Your victories and defeats, your purposes 
and prejudices that were, are so many great lessons in the annals 
of the United States. 

Obligations of another dawn awaken your sons to-day and bid 
them cross the seas, for further achievement in the construction 



28 

of the great temple of human justice. You accomplished Ameri- 
can brotherhood. The present far-flung conflict across the water, 
to the success of which we have pledged our lives, our fortunes and 
our sacred honor, will, by the grace of God, establish democracy 
throughout the world — the true brotherhood of man under the 
beneficent fatherhood of God. 

You veterans of a noble regiment, you who have been spared to 
witness this inspiring spectacle, the dedication of your memorial, 
take w^th you the remembrance of your heroic services to the land 
you sustained ■ — the love and gratitude of a thankful people. God 
bless you. 

New York is proud of the Seventy-ninth Highlanders. 

" The Highlanders," written by J. W. Lynch, Secretary of the 
New York Monuments Commission; and recited by Mrs. Emily 
Gilchrist Boillotat, granddaughter of a participant in the siege of 
I^oxville : 

The Highlanders! the Highlanders! — who has not heard their name? 
And quick as wireless o'er the wave it echoes whence they came; 
The land of sweetest songs e're heard; the land of Burns and Scott; 
The land of Wallace and of Bruce, who'll never be forgot; 
The land whose boys, the world o'er, are ever in the van; 
' Tis so to-day, 'twas so of old, since first they named a clan; 
And when " Old Glory " needed help, past anxious, stressful years, 
No better regiment wore the blue than the Highland Volunteers. 

The Highlanders! the Highlanders! — New York's old Seventy-nine — 
When Sumter blazed they heard the call and fast fell into line. 
Throughout that strife, from start to end — Appomattox's halt — 
Their flag was raised, they did their part, in siege and fierce assault. 
Baptised in fire at Blackburn's Foi'd; they saw Bull Run's grim sights; 
And from Antietam's winding creek they marched to Marye's Heights; 
They fought with Grant at Petersburg, and Vicksburg in the West; 
In thirty fields they were well tried, and always stood the test. 

The Highlanders! the Highlanders! — or Caledonia's own — 

To-day we dedicate to them a worthy, votive stone; 

Attesting they were up and doing at Knoxville's siege, and when 

Fort Sanders' braves bade bold defiance to thrice as many men. 

Oh, longer than this shaft will last the story of those weeks; 

The charges wild — repulse — resolve — the grit of Greeks 'gainst Greeks; 

The stout defense; the dire suspense, and how the combat ceased, 

With Sherman nearing Burnside and Longstreet lumbering east. 



29 

Brave ...ighlanders! good Highlanders! — they number now but few; 
'Tis well nigh sixty summers long since first they donned the blue; 
Life's battle they have fought it out, and now in winter's stage, 
They can look back at work well done, enshrined in history's page. 
They oft recall, perchance with pride, perchance as well with tears, 
Their "trusty fieres " who've passed away — their comrade volunteers; 
All gone, but one, those leaders true with whom they did and dared; 
The leader left is hale — he's here — he's Colonel Andrew Baird. 

More Highlanders ! yovmg Highlanders ! — their kin beyond the main — 
Are battling now 'gainst tyrant might — the might that's on the wane — 
The might that smites on land, on air, and underneath the sea — 
The might the world would fain control from Berlin on the Spree. 
With Pershing's power, Petain's and Haig's, Foch tears the Teutons' line; 
Their songs of hate they may dilate while running through the Rhine. 
But hate, avaunt! let right, not might, prevail the wide world o'er, 
" That man to man may brothers be," forever, ever more. 

Address by Captain Williaim Rule, Gt. A. R. Knoxville, 
Sixth Tennessee Infantky. 

Ladies and Gentlemen: I will begin by saying, and rejoicing 
in it, that there never has been a time in the history of the nation 
when so little of sectional jealousy existed as at present. 

It is fifty-five years since the Seventy-ninth N^ew York Infantry 
Volunteers — the Highlanders — paid their first visit to Knox- 
ville. At that time there were many here and in the surrounding 
territory delighted to see them marching under " Old Glory," 
whose precious folds they had but rarely seen for quite an interval 
previously. 

Some there were, of course, around here whose sympathies 
were with the stars and bars, and whose relations had been for 
more than two years valiantly fighting in the ranks of defenders 
of what proved to be a lost cause. But later on, even those recog- 
nized that the Highlanders were true soldiers, akin to the braves 
mentioned by Sir Walter Scott as being, by native disposition, 
prone to revel in " the stem joy that warriors feel, in foemen 
worthy of their steel." 

Since that eventful month of September, 1863, when the High- 
landers first saw Knoxville, great changes have come over our city 
as they have over the entire country. All of us, those who wore 
the Blue and those who wore the Gray, feel honored by seeing 
erected on these scenes a fitting monument to the memory of so 



30 

worthy a regiment. These men gave repeated proof of sterling 
soldier merits, not only in and around Knoxville, but in many 
another hard-fought campaign as well ; wherever they went in 
those days it was with them a case of " When Greek met Greek 
then came the tug of war." 

The remnant still left of the Highlanders, as well as the rem- 
nants of the other unit organizations of the armies of that time, 
is showing the marks of advancing time. Those who enlisted at 
the beginning of the Civil War at the age of eighteen — and there 
were multiplied thousands of them — and who are yet in the land 
of the living, are five years beyond the three-score-and-ten period 
that has been regarded as the allotted space of human life. But 
the vast majority of those who served in the war have gone to the 
other shore, to " That bourne from which no traveler returns." 
With them life is ended, but what they accomplished will live as 
long as American history is read ; the tragic drama they enacted 
will be seen in freshness by future generations passing down the 
corridors of time. 

When we behold the wonderful progress made by our country 
since the close of the war — since the war-worn veterans of either 
side stacked arms, sheathed their swords and took up the imple- 
ments of peace — a progress unknown elsewhere in all time — it 
seems little short of the miraculous, and our bosoms swell with 
pardonable pride. 

I do not recall within the range of my acquaintance a veteran of 
the Civil War, in either the Confederate or the Union armies, who 
is not a hundred per cent. American. And their sons or grand- 
sons are now standing shoulder to shoulder in the present big war 
against hateful autocracy: everyone will say in the language of 
Addison, and say it from the bottom of their hearts, "A day, an 
hour, of virtuous liberty, is worth an eternity of bondage." 

It is my belief, my comrades and friends, and for it there is 
firm foundation, that when this war is over — when the victory 
has been won — as it is going to be — a sure and complete vic- 
tory — and to the consummation of which our own United States 
is contributing so magnificently — glorious as the past has been 
there will be a better America in the future. 

The war has already developed to the point of perfection the 
spirit of wmtj here. We call ourselves different names, in a 



31 

political sense ; but in the war against autocracy abroad we are all 
of one mind — all Americans. Our forbears proclaimed the 
heaven-blest doctrine that ^'All men are created equal, that they are 
endowed, by their Creator, with certain inalienable rights, that 
among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That 
to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, 
deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." 

That is what we are proclaiming to the world to-day; that is 
what the million and three-quarters of Americans are doing in 
France ; that is what those stand for who are in the battle, and that 
is what we at home stand for ; any one who would take less and be 
content with less is not an American ; he is only a counterfeit. 

All of us, East, West, North and South, are now saying to the 
beast of Berlin, with a voice that is being heard around the world : 
" Lay on Kaiser, and damned be he who first cries, hold, enough !" 
This is a challenge, so far as surrender is concerned, that will 
never be heard from the lips of the invincible hosts of freedom, 
now marching and fighting for victory under the direction of 
Foch, Pershing, Petain and Haig, 

Address by Assemblyman Charles D. Donohue. 

Ladies and Gentlemen : Senator Gilchrist has set forth for us, 
eloquently and impressively, as is his wont, when the occasion calls 
for it, the distinguished part played by the Highlanders in the 
siege of Knoxville and the very distinguished part they took in 
the defense of Fort Sanders, as well as reciting in review their 
trials and troubles during setbacks and successes in several other 
campaigns and actions during the civil conflict. Listening to his 
narration of some of the leading events of those battle years, we 
are led to compare it to the accounts that we read from day to day 
now of that far-flung struggle in Europe, where our own troops are 
co-operating with the annies of France, Italy and England. 

And in reference to one of those countries, it is worth noting 
that the Highlanders had a good sprinkling of men in their ranks 
who had seen service in the British army before they landed on 
the shores of America. 

A large number of the organizations that wore the blue were 
made up to a considerable extent of soldiers of alien birth; and 
among those regiments there was hardly any that enjoyed a nobler 
record than the Highlanders. 



32 

Though some of them had previously received military training 
under a foreign flag, it was at the First Bull Kun, however, that 
the majority of them, as first mustered in, suffered their baptism 
of fire. In that battle they laid the basis of a high reputation for 
courage and reliability; and they did it at a high cost, too, for 
out of the 895 men that they took there they counted a casualty 
list of 198, including the commander, Colonel Cameron, who was 
mortally wounded. 

After Bull Run, elsewhere in Virginia and in South Carolina, 
covering a period of nearly a year of sojourning and battling, they 
were subjected to further ordeals and graduated to be full-fledged 
fighters. 

The Seventy-ninth New York, to give them their oflicial and 
numerical title, was typical, in a sense, of the large number of 
regiments that our State raised for the Federal forces; composed 
of volunteers from various walks of life ; and it did not take lon^ 
until good accounts were reported of their behavior under firt 
It is something to look back on with pride the early success there 
was had in welding the recruits of that period into" effective 
organizations. 

The Highlanders covered very wide territory during their four 
years of service. They were up in arms in Virginia, Maryland, 
South Carolina, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennessee. 

The operations in East Tennessee had not been long in progress 
in the fall of 1863 when word was sent them by General Burnside 
to hurry to Knoxville. At that juncture they were in Kentucky, 
taking a much needed rest after the Vicksburg and Jackson 
campaigns. 

To tell of the trials and achievements of the Highlanders at the 
siege of Knoxville would be a long story ; while the tenacity with 
which they clung on to Fort Sanders and the almost unexampled 
bravery displayed by them when it was " stormed at with shot and 
shell " on the early Sabbath morning of November 29, 1863, were 
heroic enough for episodes in an epic. 

The marble shaft commemorating the services of the High- 
landers on these scenes is but a mere material expression of the 
esteem in which the men of their regiment are held and the credit 
that is due them for acting their part so well in upholding a great 
national cause. For that gallant part they are closely identified 



33 

with a chapter in the history of the nation that will be always read 
with deep interest. 

We are here to-day by no means to celebrate a victory, but to 
pay our respects to a band of men who risked their lives, or gave 
up their lives, for the sake of noble ideals. Whatever bitterness 
there was felt between the sections in those days has all happily 
vanished; and in its stead, content all over and one flag for all 
hold universal sway. 

The sons or the grandsons of the soldiers who wore the blue and 
the soldiers who wore the gray are fighting in France to-day for 
the very same cause for which the Highlanders offered themselves 
back in 1861. It is the courage that was theirs, their motives 
then and the principles that they espoused that are inspiring and 
animating our boys in khaki over there and making their co-opera- 
tion so effective in the general and irresistible dash for the Khine. 

Kor can we omit mentioning specially at such an event as this 
the pluck and determination of the men to whom the Highlanders 
and the forces to which they belonged were opposed in the early 
sixties. Numerous monuments in commemoration of their valor 
and sacrifice, too, have been erected, and who will not freely admit 
that they are deserving tributes ? Anyway, they fought for a 
cause which they, at that time, counted high and dear ; and it 
cannot be denied that they fought it out manfully to the bitter 
end, as their sons or grandsons are doing to-day, side by side with 
the Northern boys, in the native land of Lafayette. 

" Here's to the blue of the wind-swept North, 
When we meet on the fields of France; 
May the spirit of Grant be with you all 
As the sons of the North advance. 



And here's to the gray of the sun-kissed South, 
When we meet on the fields of France; 

May the spirit of Lee be with you all 
As the sons of the South advance. 



And here's to the Blue and the Gray as one, 
When we meet on the fields of France; 

May the spirit of God be with you all 
As the sons of the Flag advance." 



34 

Address by the Rev. W. R. Barnett, U. C. V., Knoxville. 

Mr. Chairman, Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen : I esteem it 
a great privilege to represent the United Confederate Veterans 
on this occasion, and I fully appreciate the generous spirit in 
which this privilege has been accorded me. During the misunder- 
standing between the sections I belonged to Company E, Fifth 
Regiment, Tenn. Cav., C. S. A. 

I have addressed veterans here who wore the blue as comrades. 
My friend, W. R. Carter, who now occupies a seat on this plat- 
form, and I fought each other around Nashville in 1864, and I am 
in the habit of calling him my comrade on the other side. While 
this is not the common use of the term, I do not think it altogether 
inept. If I am not very much mistaken, something of the spirit 
of comradeship existed between Federal and Confederate soldiers 
during the years of the civil conflict, especially when they met 
between the lines to exchange such commodities as tobacco and 
coffee. 

There is also another sense in which we are comrades. Having 
held different opinions about certain questions of State, as our 
fathers before us had done from the very foundation of the Repub- 
lic, we submitted our differences to the arbitrament of war. Like 
true Americans, we fought out the issues that temporarily sep- 
arated us, accepting the result in good faith, and have since been 
comrades in devotion to the interests of our common country. 

Hail Comrades of the Blue and Comrades of the Gray! 

Whatever opinions may now be held as to the grievances of 
the South, and as to its right under the Constitution to secede from 
the Union, it must be admitted that the logic of events is against 
the wisdom of secession. Events indicate that it would have been 
better for the South to have contended for her rights within the 
Union. Events also indicate that there was a Divine purpose in 
the preservation of the Union. Notwithstanding the alienation 
produced by the war, we have now lived together in peace and 
harmony for more than fifty years. Our achievements are marvel- 
ous and our prosperity unparalleled. We occupy the foremost 
place among the nations of the earth. Under the providence of 
God, we seem to have been especially prepared to meet the exigency 
of the present world crisis. Let us not forget that ability and 
opportunity are the measure of obligation. Let us not prove 
recreant to our trust 



35 

It was not my privilege to participate in the battle of Fort 
Sanders, as I was on duty in lower East Tennessee at that time. 
However, I saw the men sent out from Chattanooga to relieve 
Burnside, and by using precaution I was able to see them at close 
range. I wanted to stop them, but esteeming prudence the better 
part of valor, I was careful to keep out of their way. They were 
a fine looking body of men, and they were well equipped. It was 
fortunate for Longstreet that he raised the siege before they 
arrived. 

That was a gallant attack which Longstreet's men made on Fort 
Sanders in the twilight of that November morning in 1863. Charg- 
ing up the hill on which the fort was situated, they did not escape 
the wire entanglements set for them and toppled over one another 
into the ditch of the fort. Undaunted by this mishap, they 
endeavored to scale the walls and plant the stars and bars on the 
fort. But they were met by men just as brave, who hurled them 
back and held their ground. The valor of the men who fought 
here, on both sides, is worthy of commemoration. 

As Longstreet failed to capture the fort, I am glad that it was 
defended by men with Scotch blood in their veins ; for I am half 
Scotch myself, my mother having been a McN'utt. 

Before concluding my remarks, I wish to refer to another New 
York Highlander. When the surrender of General Joseph E. 
Johnston's army became inevitable, a few of the cavalry force 
conceived the wild idea of slipping through the cordon of Federal 
posts and joining the Trans-Mississippi department of the army, 
where they hoped to continue the fight. I had my horse saddled 
for that adventure, but upon reflection I saw the futility of it and 
gave it up. But some did go and among them was Creed Bussell, 
a tall, raw-boned, angular young man, with unflinching courage. 
He was one of General Wheeler's special scouts. They succeeded 
in evading the Federals until they crossed the Savannah river. 
Just beyond the river, in an extensive woodland, they encountered 
a strong detachment of cavalry. The topography of the country 
rendered it impracticable to escape either up or down the river. It 
was too perilous to attempt a retreat across the river, so they con- 
cluded to fight. Dismounting, and sheltering themselves behind 
trees, they opened fire on their pursuers. They made a spirited 
defense, but having been taken at a disadvantage by superior 



36 

numbers, they were compelled to surrender. During the last few 
minutes of this scrimmage Creed Bussell was pitted against a big 
ISTew York Highlander. They aimed at each other from behind 
trees about ten paces apart. Just after the surrender, a fellow 
who had evidently been skulking in the rear dashed up and 
demanded Bussell's personal belongings. The Highlander from 
N'ew York was on his mettle at once; stepping forward, he said, 
" Hold on there ; a man who will stand up and fight as this Johnny 
has done shall not be robbed in my presence." 

Address by Captain Robert Gair, Seventy-ninth New York 
Veteran Volunteers (Highlanders). 

Ladies and Gentlemen and Comrades: There is a well-known 
saying in one of the countries across the Atlantic — a country of 
which we have quite a variety of pleasant reminders here to-day — 
that " It is a far cry to Loch Awe." Reckoning distance in time, 
it is a far cry, too, from the present hour to the day when I first 
laid my eyes on Knoxville — wanting but half a week of fifty-five 
years; but in alluding to this long span I assure you that there is 
no sigh of sadness in my voice, for I must confess, with gratitude, 
that this is one of the most gladsome days of all my life. 

Knoxville and its surroundings when I marched into it on Sep- 
tember 26, 1863, was far from being looked upon as a holiday 
resort, especially for a person wearing a military uniform ; but 
this did not prevent me from cultivating a liking for it then ; and 
I desire to say, as I have always felt ever since, that there is no 
})lace in the South or the West where I would sooner steer for a 
pleasure trip than your city. It is nothing short of a marvel the 
vast changes that have come over Knoxville since the days when 
the Highlanders were camping and battling within it and around it. 

You have heard considerable in the course of these exercises on 
the siege and the failure to capture Fort Sanders, notwithstanding 
that its defenders were vastly outnumbered. I have an especial 
reason for remembering that exploit, for I was then in temporary 
command of the Highlanders ; and you can realize what my satis- 
faction was when I saw the flag that stood guard at the fort waving 
in triumph after our assailants were compelled to cry a halt to 
tlieir desperate endeavors to plant their own flag in its stead. They 
fxptually did succeed in hoisting their flag on the angle of the 



37 

l)astion, but it was only for a moment, for the Confederate boys 
who ventured on this feat, with a fearlessness and resolve seldom 
equalled, were stricken down forthwith. 

As a memento very suitable for this dedication you have been 
shown our garrison flag. I have a second souvenir of the siege 
that I desire to bring to your attention. Mine is a small exhibit 
and one that will speak for itself. It is the envelope in which a 
letter was sent to me from New York City by my brother many 
long years ago. The address appearing on it was a good deal out 
of the ordinary, both as to style and length, for it covered nearly 
a whole side of the envelope and it was written in rhyme, not 
indifferent rhyme at all, as I think you will admit. 

" Postmaster, please let this go free, 
Down to Tennessee ; 

This three-cent stamp will pay the fare, 
Until you find out Captain Gair; 
In the 79th is he. 
His gallant company known as E; 
His army corps is number nine. 
Which from the rebels take the shine." 

To have this letter delivered to me at such a time as that was 
could well be called a post office puzzle ; but the puzzle was solved. 
I got it on ISTovember lY, 1863, just on the eve of Longstreet's 
investment of Knoxville. Arriving any later there is no knowing 
when it would reach me, that is if it would ever come into my 
hands. I have stuck to this envelope ever since with the tenacity 
of a postage stamp, and I am very glad that I have, if for no other 
reason than to be able to read its unique contents here to-day. 

With this envelope and the flag there are altogether nine sou- 
venirs of the siege at the dedication, the other seven being the 
Highlanders themselves. This is certainly a great day for us. 
We look upon it alike as a result and a reward of being in Knox- 
ville on duty bound in the year 1863. For myself I wish to say 
again that it is one of the most glorious days of my life, and I am 
sure my six comrades feel the same about it as I do myself. 

Address and Historical Sketch, by Captain Robert Armour, 
Seventy-ninth New York Voluntees (Highlanders). 
Ladies and Gentlemen: Scotchmen are ever loyal to their 
adopted country, while never forgetting their native land; and 



3S 

those of them who had found homes in America in 1861 did not 
hesitate in deciding where their duty lay on realizing that a resort 
to arms would become necessary to preserve the integrity of the 
nation. 

At that juncture there was already in existence an organization 
known as the Highland Guard, with headquarters in !N^ew York 
City. A good many energetic business men belonged to it, and 
they lost no time in increasing its numbers large enough for the 
formation of a regiment. 

The Highlanders left New York City on the 1st of June, 1861, 
for Washington, accompanied by a band known as Robertson's. 
A few days after reaching the capital they were transferred to 
quarters at Georgetown College, on the heights overlooking the 
Potomac River, and within sight of the hills of Old Virginia. 
Under the direction of a West Point cadet, they spent a month in 
drilling at the college grounds. Then they went to their first camp, 
located in the vicinity, and called Camp Lochiel. 

While still in the college, James Cameron, a brother of the then 
Secretary of War, was appointed colonel of the regiment. Colonel 
Cameron claimed descent from a Scottish chieftain. 

The stay at Camp Lochiel was brief. From thence they were 
ordered across the Potomac, where they found themselves a unit 
in the army of General Irwin McDowell. 

Brigades and divisions having been organized about the middle 
of July, the Highland Regiment formed part of the brigade com- 
manded by Colonel William Tecumseh Sherman, who, as is well 
known, was promoted in due course to a rank and responsibility 
that made him one of the most prominent figures in the Civil War. 

On July 16th McDowell's forces began their movement against 
the Confederate troops, and five days after the First Bull Run 
was fought. In this battle the Highlanders suffered a loss of 198 
in killed and wounded, the highest casualty list of any Union 
regiment there, and Colonel Cameron was among the mortally 
wounded. 

After this significant collision the Highlanders were encamped 
for some weeks near Washington. On September 1st, under the 
command of Colonel Isaac I. Stevens, they recrossed the Potomac 
and were employed in the construction of rifle pits and 
fortifications. 



S9 

General McClellan was now in charge of the army, succeeding 
McDowell, and under him it was being largely increased and 
undergoing intensive preparation for a resumption of hostilities. 

At this period it fell to the lot of the Highlanders, or rather 
four of their companies, to be called on for preventing reinforce- 
ments reaching Lewinsville. This task was both hazardous and 
laborious, but it was accomplished with the loss of only one man. 
In two weeks more the regiment was sent on a second expedition 
to the same place, entrusted to General W. F. Smith, by whom 
they were highly commended for their part in it. 

The Highlanders were honored on the 29th of September by 
another visit from the Secretary of War, when he addressed them 
briefly, assuring them of his continued interest in their regiment. 
The same day announcement was made that Colonel Stevens was 
advanced to the rank of brigadier general. The regiment was 
sorry to lose him, but glad of his promotion. In a special order 
signed by him, under date of October 16th, he took occasion to 
emphasize the soldierly characteristics and the reliability of the 
Highlanders. 

Circumstances, however, brought them into contact with him 
soon after. By his express desire, following a visit to Washing- 
ton, they were ordered to Annapolis, on October 18th, for the 
purpose of joining the land and naval expedition being then organ- 
ized under General Sherman — General Stevens being one of the 
commanders designated to accompany him. 

Starting on October 20th from Annapolis, Fortress Monroe 
was reached the day after, from whence, after a halt of little more 
than a week, reinforced by numerous war craft, the expedition 
continued on its voyage. Violent storms were encountered off 
Fort Hatteras. We arrived at Port Royal Harbor in South 
Carolina on November 4th. Three days after, the Highlanders 
witnessed the attack by the fleet on the fortifications at Hilton 
Head, on the west side of the harbor, and also the assault on Bay 
Point, on the east side ; resulting in " Old Glory " being hoisted 
on the flag staff at Hilton Head. 

The Highlanders were landed at Bay Point, called Fort Beaure- 
gard by the Confederates, and now renamed Fort Seward. They 
made up the entire garrison in charge of this fort. 



40 

Expeditions were made to various islands in the harbor, as well 
as to the mainland; and on December 11th the brigade to which 
we belonged occupied Beaufort, in Port Royal Island. On Janu- 
ary 1, 1862, the Highlanders, now also known as the Seventy-ninth 
New York, having received its numerical designation on December 
11th, the day that Beaufort was taken, crossed the Coosaw river 
and took part in a battle the outcome of which was the capture of 
a fort facing the crossing at Port Royal Ferry. But little resist- 
ance was met in effecting this. Aside from ordinary drill and 
picket duty they were able to enjoy a good rest at this period. 

On January 17th Lieutenant-Colonel Morrison was relieved of 
the command of the Seventy-ninth, and Colonel Addison Fams- 
worth appointed in his place. The new commander had seen 
service in Mexico and had also been in charge of the Thirty- 
seventh New York Volunteers. 

On June 1, 1862, the Highlanders were ordered to James 
Island. So close to the cradle of Secession, determined opposition 
was expected at this point; nor had we been long there when the 
expected happened — a stiff fight, resulting in the Confederates 
being driven to their fortifications at Secessionville, which is about 
eight miles from Charleston. These fortifications were attacked 
on June 16th, but without success. The Highlanders lost a fourth 
of their number in this fierce encounter. The Charleston Mercury 
reported as follows of their part in it : 

" It was left to the valiant Palladins of the North — to the brave 
79th Highlanders — to test the virtue of unadulterated steel on the 
Southern nerves; but they terribly mistook their foe, for they were 
rolled back in a tide of blood. Thank God, Lincoln has, or had, only one 
79th Regiment, for there is only a remnant to tell the tale. The soldiers 
who can make such a charge, and those who can stand it — their condi- 
tions being equal — are the parties to win a war." 

The regiment was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Morrison 
much of the time since General Stevens' promotion, and Colonel 
Farnsworth on his return from New York, June 21st, assumed 
charge of it again. 

The following day occurred a very interesting ceremony for 
the Highlanders, which was the presentation by the enlisted men 
to General Stevens of a handsome sword, belt, sash and a pair of 
gold plate spurs. In returning thanks for this the General spoke 



41 

of the donors as his " beloved Highlanders " and his " soldiers of 
the Coosaw," at the same time expressing the hope that the 
Seventy-ninth would be the last regiment that he would be called 
upon to part with. 

To the tune of "Ain't I Glad to Get Out of the Wilderness," 
played by the band, and heartily responding to the sentiment it 
sounded, the Highlanders set out for northerly destinations on 
July 4:th. They arrived at Newport News on the 16th. Here 
the Ninth Army Corps was in process of formation, under General 
Ambrose E. Burnside, and the Seventy-ninth became attached to 
it. On August 3d the regiment re-embarked for Acquia Creek, 
from whence it was taken by rail to Fredericksburg, encampment 
being made on Marye's Heights. 

With the rest of Burnside's Corps we were assigned on August 
1st to the task of guarding the left flank of the armies now under 
General Pope. This work entailed much strenuous marching, 
with some skirmishing; but we were not very actively engaged 
until August 28th, when, as well as on the 29th and 30th, what is 
known as the Second Manassas campaign was fought. 

In the hard battling of the 30th the Seventy-ninth suffered 
severely, especially a detachment led by Captain John More, of 
Company D, the captain himself being badly wounded. Colonel 
Farnsworth, too, came out of it disabled. 

The result of the Second Bull Run was not more favorable to the 
Federal troops than the battle fought there a little more than a 
year before. 

In the fighting that ended this campaign, on September 1st, we 
were among the forces opposed to Stonewall Jackson, when his 
designs to cut off Pope's retreat to the capital were frustrated at 
Chantilly. 

Our regiment lost many of its bravest commanders, with six 
color bearers, during these Manassas battles; and, with his hand 
on our flag, General Stevens suffered a death wound at Chantilly. 
He was a born leader ; the Federal army sustained a great loss in 
his fall, and the Highlanders were sorely grieved when they 
learned his fate. 

Consequent on Colonel Farnsworth beintr wounded, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Morrison took his place agn^*'- 



42 

Immediately after the Second Manassas, General Lee's army 
crossed the Potomac, intent on Northern conquests. The Union 
forces, now commanded by General McClellan, had, therefore, 
but little time for renewed preparation at Washington. 

On September Tth we began marching in pursuit of the Con- 
federates. By the 13th we were in the vicinity of Frederick City. 
The next day we were welcomed with bursting shells in the course 
of a march to South Mountain. Here severe fighting began at noon 
and continued until darkness set in. That night we rested on the 
top of the Mountain. In the morning it was found that the Con- 
federates had moved away. 

Two days later the big contest of this campaign took place at 
Antietam. It is set down in the history books as a drawn battle — 
the severest on any single day during the civil conflict; but 
inasmuch as the Confederates retreated without delay to Virginia 
it was practically a victory for McClellan. 

The two great contending armies met again on December 13th, 
at Fredericksburg, where, especially at Marye's Heights, one of 
the fiercest of all their trials at arms occurred, with the result in 
favor of Lee's troops. 

For making a long journey, terminating at Kentucky, the High- 
landers were entrained at Fredericksburg on February 14, 1863. 
First going to Acquia Creek, they were conveyed by steamer to 
Newport News, from whence, on March 21st, they embarked for 
Baltimore. Taking a train from that city, they arrived at 
Parkersburg on the Ohio river on the 24th. Louisville, Ky., going 
there by boat, was reached on the 2Gth, the next stop being 
Lebanon. 

In this region and by the Green river we were engaged in lively 
actions and manoeuvres against Morgan's raiders. 

We were ordered off on another expedition in June — to help 
General Grant at Vicksburg. After this city capitulated, on 
June 4th, we were part of the forces sent to seize Jackson, also 
abandoned on July 17th. 

The operations incident to the Vicksburg campaign being 
brought to a successful ending, with the rest of the Ninth Corps 
detachment engaged in them the Seventy-ninth began the return 
trip on August 6th ; proceeding via Lexington, Crab Orchard, 
Barboursville, and finally to I^jioxville, through the Cumberland 
Gap. 



43 

Knoxville, which we reached on September 26th, was then the 
centre of rather disturbed territory. To understand the situation 
there better, we must refer briefly to Chattanooga, where Grant 
and Bragg were to meet soon in a big battle. The latter felt that 
the presence of so strong a force in East Tennessee constituted a 
grave menace to him. Notwithstanding that the army of the 
Cumberland had been reinforced by the Eleventh and Twelfth 
Corps, under Hooker, and also that Sherman was marching from 
Memphis to strengthen Grant further, Bragg came to the con- 
clusion that he would be able to cope with them all even after 
detaching Longstreet's divisions and sending them to oust Burn- 
side from East Tennessee. Burnside's troops were then ranged 
along the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad ; the left 
of the line being at Morristown, while the right extended south as 
far as Loudon. Here the railroad crossed the Tennessee river, 
about thirty-five miles southwest of Knoxville. 

Grant on learning of Longstreet's departure telegraphed to 
Burnside that he would endeavor to create a diversion in his favor 
by engaging Bragg on November 12th. To this Burnside replied 
that he was getting ready to hold Longstreet, if possible, in his 
front until the Army of the Cumberland and its auxiliaries were 
in a position to strike. 

Longstreet's movements proved more rapid than was expected, 
apparently. On November 13th the outposts at Loudon were 
attacked, causing some losses on both sides. Thereupon Burnside 
telegraphed Grant that his flank was turned and that he would 
concentrate his forces and fall back on Knoxville. With the com- 
paratively small army that he had he could not hope to do any 
more in an open field struggle than to hold his opponent in check 
long enough to enable him to strengthen his base at Knoxville, 
and his plans were made accordingly. 

Longstreet, continuing his advance, tried to cross the river at 
Hough's Ferry, but met with a spirited resistance from General 
White's Division of the Twenty-third Corps. Just prior to that 
time it became known through prisoners that Longstreet was close 
to our front ; that he was determined on cleaning us out of Ten- 
nessee ; and that as the Union troops then at Chattanooga had 
been so signally whipped at Chickamauga on September 19th, we 
could not hope for early relief from that direction. Our fate 
seemed to be sealed according to this dire prophecy. We had, 



44 

however, met Longstreet's men before and knew them to be '"' foe- 
men worthy of our steel," but with the confidence that we had in 
General Burnside the outlook did not disconcert us too much. 

Burnside's retreat to Knoxville was made in good order. Firing 
heard in the direction of our right flank the morning of the 16th 
indicated that the Confederates were on the Kingston road, 
endeavoring to reach Cross Eoads, at Campbell's Station, which 
was directly in front of us ; this to intercept our march to Knox- 
ville; but we had the inside track; the Second Division of the 
corps, under Colonel Hartranft, arrived at the Cross Roads first 
and deployed across the Kingston road, over which the main body 
of our army was advancing. The artillery moved rapidly to the 
high ground east of the station. The Highlanders were placed in 
support of Benjamin's Battery of twenty-pounders. From this 
point we had a clear view of the entire field, giving us an oppor- 
tunity of witnessing the battle at Campbell's Station. This was 
a stubborn contest, and though having inferior numbers the lines 
of the Union troops were not broken. Longstreet says in his 
report of this battle : 

" If General Jenkins could have made his attack * * • or if he 
could have made it after the enemy had taken his second position, we 
must have destroyed his forces, recovered East Tennessee, and, in all 
probability, captured the greater portion of the enemy's forces." 

But Burnside concluded that better results would be obtained 
by falling back on Knoxville. 

The Federal troops reached Knoxville on I^ovember I7th. The 
principal defensive construction there was a fort half a mile west 
of the city, as it was then, and near the Kingston turnpike. (The 
site of the monument erected to the Highlanders is near that 
point.) Work on the fort had been begun by the Confederates, 
who gave it the name of Fort Loudon. But little progress had 
been made toward its completion until it became evident that a 
retreat from Lenoir was inevitable. Then Captain O. M. Poe, 
later a prominent officer in the engineer corps of the regular army, 
took prompt measures to have it properly strengthened. He 
employed a large force of laborers on it day and night. When 
the troops arrived, Lieutenant S. N. Benjamin, specially charged 
with the defense of the fort, made the request that the High- 
landers be assigned to duty as its regular garrison. 



45 

When we entered Fort Sanders an engagement was already in 
progress, at a point about a mile from the Kingston road, between 
the Confederate advance, under General McLaws, and the Federal 
cavalry, aided by mounted infantry, under General W. P. Sanders. 
The latter had been ordered to hold McLaws' men in check as long 
as possible, in order that the rest of the troops might be placed 
in good positions on their arrival. He held his assailants at bay 
for several hours, but by dint of numbers was gradually forced to 
give way. The Confederates came within short range of the shells 
hurled from our twenty-pounders. Then came a lull in the fight- 
ing. It was renewed in the afternoon; the combat was plainly 
seen from the fort and we watched it with an interest that goes 
without saying. Benjamin's guns sent several shells into the 
Confederate lines. So close were the combatants to each other that 
our men were in as great danger from our own bursting shells as 
their opponents, and hence Benjamin's firing was discontinued. 

General Burnside observed this episode from the parapet of the 
fort, encouraging us and exhorting us " to keep cool, fire low and 
be sure to hit something every time." The Confederates contented 
themselves with driving Sanders back and occupying the crest of 
the hill. 

In this affair, which took place on the 18th, General Sanders 
was mortally wounded, and breathed his last a day or two after. 
As in the case of the bridge defended by Burnside at Antietam, 
the fort has been called after him ever since. He was a native of 
Kentucky and a graduate of West Point. He had also distin- 
guished himself on Eastern battle ground. 

Just before dark it was observed that the ground to the north- 
west of the fort, distant about a mile, was also occupied by the 
Confederates, so our pickets were established on the north and 
west, some four hundred yards off, and about the same distance 
from Longstreet's men. Thus ended the first day of the siege. 

There was a wire entanglement in front of Fort Sanders, put 
there by orders from Benjamin; the wires having been strung 
from stump to stump, in order to obstruct any advance on the part 
of the Confederates. The only portions of the fort at all in a 
defensive position when we entered it were the west and part of 
the north fronts, and even there no embrasures had been cut. 



46 

On the second day of the siege, l^ovember 19th, the garrison was 
awakened early, and it was found that the pickets were already 
exchanging shots. By noon the bullets were flying at a lively 
rate — some of them across the fort. Meantime, " Old Glory " 
was flung over it, to the accompaniment of hearty cheers. The 
other side responded with artillery, but it did no damage. 

The Confederates advanced their picket line the third day, with 
the result that the lead was whizzing past the fort with ominous 
frequency, causing our boys to do some quick ducking and dodging, 
and this action on their part did not escape comment and criticism. 
Only quarter rations were issued on the fourth day, and of coffee 
we got none at all. The fifth day two of the picket relief were 
wounded; it was now deemed best to change the pickets under 
cover of darkness. The reliefs were made up at roll call, which 
was required to be had at five o'clock each morning. The evening 
of the sixth day one of the cooks was killed while carrying rations 
to the troops. At nine o'clock the pickets of the Second Division, 
some distance to our right, were attacked and driven in. Follow- 
ing this there was an impression among us that a general attack 
was contemplated. 

On the seventh day, as one of the men was lighting his pipe, 
just after completing his frugal meal, a minnie bullet struck him 
on the back of the neck. He fell forward, dead, as it was feared. 
Almost immediately, however, he picked himself up and quietly 
spat out blood in his hand, and the bullet with it. Examination 
showed that he was severely injured; but he recovered sufficiently, 
after a while, to be able to go back to New York. He settled down 
in Maryland finally and prospered there. 

On the eighth day those on the right of the pickets discovered 
that our opponents' lines had again been considerably advanced. 
There was therefore no longer any chafing between the rival 
pickets, as previously; each side now realized that the situation 
had grown too serious for anything else but strenuous warfare. 
Three more of our men were wounded in the fort, among them 
Lieutenant Charles Watson. The moon that night was full and 
the night beautifully clear. As we lay wrapped in our overcoats 
and blankets, listening and on the lookout for the least movement, 
we could hear, occasionally, pickaxes sounding in the unfriendly 
quarters. These sounds banished all sentimental thouijhts from 



47 

our minds; instead of indulging in reveries of home and friends 
we were contemplating the stern realities that confronted us. It 
was cold, too, fires being interdicted — even the lighting of a 
match was not allowed. The continuance of the digging as it 
reached our ears warned us in no uncertain tones that the climax 
was not far ofi'. The settlement of the grave question, whether the 
besieged or the besiegers were to spend the winter in Knoxville 
was, we thought, to be finally decided. 

The ninth day we heard rumors to the eftect that Bragg's army 
was defeated at Chattanooga. We all felt hopeful enough at this 
time, and were disposed to look on the bright side of affairs ; not 
wishing to borrow any fancied trouble, as we knew that there was 
enough of the actual around us and before us. 

The morning of the tenth day opened clear. One of the holes 
dug in front of the fort was occupied by two of our boys, and so 
as to break the monotony of the hour they started to do a little 
sportive shooting. This incident has been told as follows : " Camp- 
bell held up his cap on his ramrod, while I had my gun leveled 
ready to fire; the Confederate gun and my own spoke almost 
simultaneously, and Campbell exclaimed, 'D — n it, I'm hit.' The 
other marksman was sharp, and had aimed two feet or more below 
the cap. A slight flesh wound in the arm was the result, and as it 
would have been sure death to have tried gaining the fort before 
darkness set in the wound was dressed with a little water from the 
canteens and a handkerchief tied about his arm." About eight 
o'clock in the morning we heard loud cheering and band music. 
Following this our neighbors hailed us with the question, " How 
are you Vicksburg ? " to which we replied, " You hain't got use yet ; 
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." Some artillery 
firing was also directed our way, but at midnight all was quiet. 
We were told subsequently that the cheering and rejoicing beyond 
arose from news reaching them that Bragg had beaten Grant. 
Further reinforcements that they had just got helped to assure 
and encourage them still more. 

The eleventh day was ushered in with rain and a fall in the 
temperature. Ice had also formed during the night. This time, 
too, the mud in the fort was nowhere less than six inches deep. 
Some grumbling was heard, but to offset this a light-hearted fellow 
would cry out, " We're happy because it can't last," and " Why 



48 

it's all in the three years, boys." That afternoon the boys opposite 
were observed moving large bodies of troops toward our right, so 
an assault was not unexpected; but night closed in without any 
further demonstrations. A general alarm was sounded at eleven 
o'clock: "Fall in, boys! They're coming. Every man to his 
post." N^ot very much excitement was felt, but a grim determina- 
tion to do all that was possible was apparent all around. Our bat- 
teries sent off a few shots, and there being no response the firing 
ceased. The pickets had been driven in and were now close to the 
ditch of the fort. It was evident that daylight would witness hot 
work. 

Lieutenant Benjamin had caused to be prepared a number of 
twenty-pounder shells for the expected attack; the fuses for these 
had been cut at twenty seconds. These shells had been laid in 
rows on the banquette tread at various points on the west and 
north of the fort, ready for instant use, and well knowing the 
danger which lurked in them we often wished the " darned things " 
were somewhere else. Observations made from the breastworks 
during the night revealed nothing in particular. 

We remained under arms all night a-nd care was taken that 
abundance of ammunition should be readily available. All spare 
rifles were loaded and placed in convenient places, nearly all of 
them being double shotted, as were also the twelve-pounder 
howitzers with grape or canister ; while " number four " stood with 
lanyard in hand ready to fire. Thus it was that the last night 
was passed. 

On November 29th, as darkness gave way to the gray dawn that 
ushered in the last day of the atta<'ks on the fort, ominous sounds 
and lively movements indicated unmistakably that there was 
something much out of the ordinary in store for us. A gun was 
fired from the battery near the Armstrong House, used as Long- 
street's headquarters; this turned out to be a signal gun, for 
immediately after their whole line of artillery was let loose. Dur- 
ing a space of a few minutes we witnessed a very extraordinary 
display of skyrockets. Our experience of two years and a half 
had convinced us that the danger in shells was not always in 
keeping with the thunder that accompanies them; and we also 
knew that their infantry could not advance as long as the cannonad- 
ing continued. The shrieks of those murderous missiles were well 



49 

calculated, however, to shake the morale of men less accustomed 
to such echoing. At length the big guns stopped their uproar, and 
we realized that it behooved us to be on the qui vive, " Now, boys, 
look sharp!" The long line of our opponents in gray was seen 
coming steadily and formidably toward us. Yells coming from 
them and the rattle of their musketry broke upon our ears. One 
glance was enough to show that the northwest bastion was the 
point to which they intended giving first attention. 

'Not a shot was fired from the fort until McLaws' braves were 
within fifty yards of the muzzles of our pieces ; then the artillery, 
depressed to the lowest point, began hurling double and triple 
charges at them. At the same time, also, some of our men began 
firing over the cotton bales on top of the parapet ; others through 
the embrasures, while at the flank a destructive fire was aimed 
from the rifles of the Highlanders, as well as by the Second Michi- 
gan and part of the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts, which, having 
been moved to the north front of the fort adjoined us on the right, 
enabling them to sweep the ditch. 

The excitement was extreme, but all buckled down to their work 
and encouraged each other by shouting, " Give it to them, boys ! 
Remember Vicksburg! Remember James Island! " Those were 
battles in which the conditions were reversed ; we were then on the 
outside and our opponents on the inside- 
Hoping to escape the destructive fire, many of McLaws' men 
rushed into the ditch, l^ow was Benjamin's opportunity. He 
gave orders to have the twenty-pounder shells ignited ; they were 
rolled down among the struggling mass beneath, causing fearful 
havoc. At length the Confederate fire slackened and we could see 
many of our assailants hurrying to the rear. Cheering heard from 
our quarters was answered instantly by a chorus of yells from a 
fresh column, who, nothing daunted by the repulse of the first line, 
crowded up to the assault. 

Many got caught in the wires, thus breaking their lines ; others 
fell to rise no more; but the rush onward continued notwith- 
standing. The assaulting party is now sending a rain of bullets 
through the embrasures and along the edge of the parapets. But 
the lire from withiii is as incessant and destructive as before. The 
gallant men in gray crowded up to the ditch, as their firgt iiiis had 
dope, but tbe^j too, were mowed down. Bhella w^re buriiting in 



50 

the ditch, literally tearing the poor fellows to pieces. A loud yell 
came from the angle of the bastion, where we saw a Confederate 
flag rising above the exterior crest, and soon after appeared the 
head and shoulders of the bearer. Brave fellow! But his last 
moment had come, for rifles were pointed at him, and with the 
flag clutched in his hands, he rolled to the bottom of the ditch 
pierced with bullets. The feat he so daringly attempted was 
heroic in the extreme. 

Another hero tried the same desperate feat, but with the same 
result. Still others crowded on. They formed a temporary bridge 
over the ditch, and made determined efforts to scale the parapet. 
At one point, two of McLaws' boys appeared within a yard of one 
of our sergeants, who, in the excitement of the moment, discharged 
his piece without withdrawing the ramrod. Unable to reload, he 
clubbed his rifle and flung it at them, but it did no damage. The 
next instant he seized an axe and knocked one of them down, the 
other falling at the same time pierced by a bullet. 

Once more the firing lessened, and then a few of our men 
sprang to the angle of the parapet, capturing a Confederate flag, 
which a few brave fellows still persisted in planting on the fort. 
Some further spasmodic efforts, and the Confederate fire was 
stopped for good and all ; then we observed them on the run and 
the command was given us to discontinue shooting. 

We shouted to those within range of our voices to surrender, 
and they entered the fort by way of the embrasures. 

The sun had not yet risen above the horizon, and yet how much 
of noble effort and vain sacrifice had been crowded into that early 
Sabbath morning. Parts of eleven brigades — the flower of 
Longstreet's army — had been hurled against a handful of men, 
not over 300, with the knowledge that that point of attack was the 
key to Knoxville, and that therefore, at whatever cost, it must be 
captured. In the endeavor to accomplish this, exceptional bravery 
and perseverance were displayed. Failure was certainly not due 
to any lack of courage and determination. 

The casualties suffered by the Confederates, as given in their 
o^ial retunjg, were 120 killed, 468 wpypde4, with 026 pylwnprs 
1^ malting m Bggregatn of 813, 



51 

Benjamin, in a letter dated April 17, 1886, and written a few 
days before he died, said : 

" About 250 muskets were in the fort and about 80 artillery men in and 
immediately by it — not over 300 men, inclusive of officers. In the 
actual assault but seven men were killed at the fort and eight wounded. 
During the cannonading and in the assault some thirty more were killed 
and wounded in the immediate neighborhood of the fort." 

The conibntants at Fort Sanders had tested each others mettle 
previously — at the two Bull Run engagements and at South 
Mountain and Antietam. 

General McLaws' order of assault was as follows : 

" Wofford's Georgia and Humphrey's Mississippi Brigade, followed 
closely by three regiments of Bryan's Brigade, to be formed for the attack 
in columns of regiments; the assault to be made with fixed bayonets and 
without firing guns; should be made against the northwest angle of 
Fort Loudon, or Sanders. The men should be urged to the work with a 
determination to svicceed and should rush to it without hallooing." 

On Tuesday, December 1, 18G3, the news of Grant's victory at 
Chattanooga was embodied in a congratulatory address by General 
Burnside upon our recent victory ; and at the same time it was 
announced that relief troops, under Sherman, were on their way. 
These tidings put us in the highest spirits. 

Early on the morning of December 5th our pickets discovered 
Longstreet's men in the act of withdrawing. On our skirmish 
line advancing, about seven o'clock, it was found that his troops 

" Had folded their tents like the Arabs, 
And silently stolen away." 

On January 28, 1864, Congress passed a resolution, approved 
by the President, that the thanks of Congress be tendered to Major 
General Ambrose E. Burnside, and through him to the officers and 
men in his command, for their gallantry, good conduct and soldier- 
like endurance. 

Longstreet's departure did not by any means put an end to 
pur hardships and privations at that period. Not even half rations 
were yet obtainflble; and the section between Kno^ville and the 
Virginia border, traverged m it bad been from time to time by 
both eoiitaRding nmi&^i wm P^thfpg but plentiful in |op4 
gupplleg* 



"' ' - - - ^2 

It became apparent that Longstreet intended wintering in East 
Tennessee. His retreat was only continued far enough up the 
valleys of the Holston and Broad Run to afford him protection 
from a flank attack from the direction of Cumberland Gap. His 
army, as well as Burnside's, was kept constantly on the move; 
neither of them yet able to say where they were to pass the cold 
months. Small foraging parties were busy night and day; but 
the natives were in the same plight for edibles as the soldiers. 

When we tried to purchase anything the almost invariable 
response was, " Got nothing ourselves, sir. The rebels cleaned us 
all out ; haven't got a good meal in weeks ; stock all drawn off and 
barns empty, even to the cornstalks." 

What with extremely cold weather, scarcity of food and almost 
impassable roads, the troops had much to contend against that 
winter in East Tennessee; and these conditions were but little 
allayed until their departure in the end of March. 

When it was revealed to us that we were to be transferred from 
Tennessee, our commander. Colonel Morrison, detailed some of 
us for taking the remains of our fallen comrades to the Soldiers' 
Cemetery at Knoxville. Those of our regiment who were in the 
stone cutting business had tablets prepared for the graves, giving 
the names of the soldiers interred there, the companies to which 
they belonged and the cause of their death. A memorial was also 
erected in the center of the plot, on which was inscribed the coat 
of arms of the State of New York, together with the following 
lines, written by Chaplain Crammond Kennedy : 

Their country's soldiers — living, this simple story, 
But dead, her best defense, and her undying glory. 

By all the thousands that have died for thee, 
O loved Republic, be thou just and free. 

Our expedition in Tennessee came to a close on March 21, 1864, 
when we began the first lap of a sojourn back to Virginia. The 
knapsacks and baggage were sent north by v/ay of Chattanooga. 
We began recrossijig the mountains in light marching order, and 
continued our course via Jacksboro, thence to Walter's Gap and 
then along the Elk Ridge road, or trail, as it might be more 
properly nfilU(\. U^rp H w^s founci jtiGceggarj in requisition pftelf 



53 

nmies for carrying the supplies, and with all their niinbleness they 
had much ado overcoming the obstacles in the trail. On the morn- 
ing of the 27th we were at Point Isabelle ; Cuba was reached the 
next day and Hall's Gap on the 29th. We were now out of the 
wilderness and in delightful surroundings, with the blue grass 
region of Kentucky not far away. 

We arrived at Nicholasville on the 1st of April. Proceeding by 
train, Cincinnati was reached at midnight. And now for an 
excursion over God's country. By the 9th of April we were in 
Baltimore, from whence, with but little delay, we left for Annap- 
olis. There the night was spent in the train. We remained 
encamped at Annapolis until the 23d. Then to Washington, where 
we had the honor of being welcomed by President Lincoln as he 
stood at Willard's Hotel. We marched under orders across the 
Potomac on April 27th, with the rest of the Ninth Corps, and 
continued southward over the Fairfax Court House road. Passing 
through Centerville and Manassas Junction, we bivouacked near 
Bristoe Station. 

The Highlanders took part in the Eastern hostilities that were 
resumed at the Wilderness on May 5, 1864. During the three 
days that this conflict raged our position was changed several times. 
On the night of the 7th the regiment was pushed forward to help 
ccfver the withdrawal of troops employed to carry out the plans 
that Grant had formulated when he decided to make a flank move- 
ment in the direction of Spotsylvania Court House. This assign- 
ment we found a trying one. So near were we at times to the 
Southern boys that we could hear them talking, which gave us 
the impression every now and then that they were getting ready 
to pounce on us. We were withdrawn from this position toward 
morning. Our next job was to assist in bringing up the rear of 
the movemxcnt. 

Three days more, and the term of three years for which our 
regiment was enlisted would have expired. We had been antioi' 
pating with much pleasure an early return home ; but some of our 
boys were doomed to be sadly disappointed in this. On May 9tl^, 
at Spotsylvania, we were hotly engaged again. In a brilliant 
charge made there, which compelled the Confederates to reel back, 
three q| the Highlanders were killed and eleyen of them wounded. 
Both color bearers Also suffered severely, ^nd our commander, 
Ooloijel Moyi'ison, bad Ws )md ghattorei 



54; 

While in line of battle on the 12th, still determined to do their 
full share of duty, the Highlanders were withdrawn from the 
front, by order of Burnside, and assigned to provost guard service. 
Their three-year term expired the following day ; when they began 
a march to Fredericksburg, and from thence to Belle Plain, con- 
tinuing by boat to Washington. Here we entrained for i^Tew York 
city, which was reached on the 18th, when we were taken in charge 
by the city authorities and conducted to Jefferson Market armory. 

The final muster out of the original members was observed on 
May 31st, so we were able henceforth to devote ourselves to much 
needed, and, as we thought, well deserved rest and recreation. 

Those whose term of service had not yet run its course were 
conducted, in charge of Captain Henry G. Heffron and Captain 
Andrew D. Baird, to the general rendezvous at Randalls Island ; 
and on -Tune 8, 1864, they left for the front once more. 

By means of active recruiting, in which Lieutenant-Colonel 
Samuel M. Elliott exerted himself energetically, this detachment 
succeeded in securing three full companies ; Captain Heffron hav- 
ing been promoted in the meantime to the rank of lieutenant- 
colonel and Captain Baird to that of major and brevet lieutenant- 
colonel. 

Colonel Heffron had been detailed for duty on the staff of the 
general commanding and filled the position of provost marshal 
much of the time since he succeeded Colonel Morrison. The 
immediate command of the regiment thus devolved on Colonel 
Baird, and he served in that capacity during the final attack on 
Petersburg, which practically closed the civil conflict. 

The Highlanders took part in forty battles and actions, their 
total of casualties being 558. 

Of the 2,037 who enlisted in the Highland Regiment there 
are at present (September 23, 1918) but twenty-seven survivors, 
as shown by the roster of the veteran association kept by its secre- 
tary, Joseph Stewart. These include six officers (perhaps seven). 
In the natural course of events this small remnant will ere long 
more have crossed the " great divide ;" but the official records 
will always testify that in the most trying years of the nation's 
history the Highlanders, true to the traditions of their raoe, did 
their ibare of duty, mi eBtablisbed ft reputation of y^Wh tbeir 
4ei0e»d^nti will have reason to be proud* 



55 



SuEvivixXG Members of the Seventy-ninth Highlanders 
Veteran Association 



Andrew D, Baird 
John Muir 
Joseph Stewart 
William H. Adarin 
Robert Armour 
Henry Babeuf 
Edward Brice 
John W. Berry 
Henry F. Bloomfield 
Frank M. Chamberlin 
William H. Conley 
E. B. Demarest 
David G. Falconer 



Robert Gair 
Joseph Gildersleeve 
William Gray 
Charles Harrington 
Thomas Harrison 
Jeremiah Haley 
Henry G. Heffron 
George Harrison 
Charles E. Locke 
John Muir 
Francis Ritchie 
George W. Ryerson 
John Wilson 



Hugh Young 



56 



"At Fort Sanders," by James Kennedy, of New York. 

The Holstein River flows serene 

By banks enwreathed in gold and green; 

The opal sky of Tennessee 

Spreads spotless as an amber sea, 

And nature's face and form and look 

Familiar as an open book. 

But where are they who face to face 

Fought bravely on this hallowed place? 

A remnant of the long ago, 

With feeble steps and locks of snow, 

With all our ancient strife forgot 

Are come to mark this sacred spot. 

Though hate is hot it will not stay, 

We fiercely fought but for a day, 

While through the long years o'er and o'er 

We learned to love you more and more 

Until this crowning, glad event — 

This noble marble monument — 

Is proof that though we dwell apart 

Remembrance in the Southern heart 

Has blossomed in this happy hour 

Luxurious as the aloe's flower. 

Nor time, nor dull decay, shall mar, 

But changeless as the polar star. 

Through darksome days and doubtful nights 

Our land has reached serener heights. 

Our faith, the warring world shall learn, 

And earth's embattled hosts discern, 

That through the furnace fires of strife 

The future leads to nobler life ; 

And battle-furrowed fields become 

As shrines where ancient hate is dumb — 

As pathways to the wise and good 

That lead to human brotherhood — 

As voices that prophetic tell 

Of Peace on Earth and All is Well! 



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